Governor Doyle Calls Wisconsin to Action on National Day of Service and Remembrance

Statement

Column: Governor Doyle Calls Wisconsin to Action on National Day of Service and Remembrance

By Governor Jim Doyle

Friday we mark the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a day that inspired Americans to come together in a powerful spirit of unity and compassion. In the days and weeks that followed, we were unified in our desire to help one another and to serve our country.

It is appropriate to mark this anniversary by recommitting ourselves to that same spirit of service. We have the opportunity to strengthen our communities by helping others.

In April, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which, for the first time, officially recognizes Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. I am honored to join in this effort and I encourage all in Wisconsin to take part. Opportunities to heed this call abound and can be found on the web site www.serve.gov.

Like many in my generation, I remember as a student being called to service by President John F. Kennedy, who inspired Americans to work for others and to give something back to this country. President Kennedy's words eventually led me and my wife Jessica to serve in Tunisia as members of the Peace Corps, and much of my life since has been spent in public service.

We again have a President who is challenging all of us to do more for each other and for our country. I am honored that so many in Wisconsin have heard his call and have already joined in the United We Serve program. There is no telling what answering this call will mean to one person's life, or what is possible if we all commit to doing more for our country.

This summer I, along with my wife Jessica and members of my Administration donated our time at numerous organizations across the state. Volunteer activities have ranged from serving meals to children and families in need and reading to youth to stocking shelves at local food pantries or helping out at homeless shelters.

Wisconsin and America are facing major challenges from an economy that is collapsing around the world. During these extraordinary times, we must work together to protect our most basic priorities. And to help those who now need it most. That is the Wisconsin way.

September 11 fittingly is the National Day of Service and Remembrance, but the opportunities to help your community are year round.

Eight years ago we all saw clearly that our fate as individuals is inherently tied to the fate of our nation. We saw that our country is one of compassion, generosity and strength. These are lessons that none of us should forget, and we can renew the purpose of those lessons now.

The unifying message today is simple and bears repeating: “I remember. I serve.”

In Wisconsin there are numerous ways to give back. To learn about opportunities in your area or to suggest volunteer events, please visit Serve.Gov, or contact the Governor's office at govserve@wisconsin.gov, or 608-266-1212.

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