9/11 Nonprofit Urges Presidential Candidates to Suspend Campaigns on 23rd Anniversary of Attacks

9/11 Day, the nonprofit organization that established and organizes the federally recognized September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, has issued a request to the presidential campaigns of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris to voluntarily suspend all political advertising and campaign-related media activities on September 11, 2024. This appeal aims to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by promoting a nonpartisan day of service, unity, and prayer.

Commonly referred to as “9/11 Day,” this national observance has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the United States, with over 30 million Americans participating each year. The organization initially introduced the “9/11 Campaign Moratorium” in 2004 to pay tribute to the victims, first responders, recovery workers, and military personnel who responded to the attacks. Since its inception, the moratorium has garnered widespread support from major political parties and numerous candidates.

David Paine, president and co-founder of 9/11 Day, emphasized the importance of national unity in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, stating, “We weren’t Red States or Blue States. We were the United States, and we were all Americans.” Paine urged current political candidates to remember this spirit of unity and observe the traditional moratorium on campaign-related activities for the day.

Jay S. Winuk, co-founder and executive vice president of 9/11 Day, whose brother Glenn J. Winuk, an attorney and volunteer firefighter, died in the line of duty during the 9/11 attacks, added, “Please demonstrate, at least on this one day, that you will join with millions of Americans in unity by putting politics aside and coming together as Americans.” Winuk called for honoring those lost and injured on 9/11 through good deeds and focusing on common humanity rather than political differences.

In 2009, the U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama officially recognized September 11 as an annual National Day of Service and Remembrance under federal law, as part of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This recognition underscores the importance of dedicating the day to acts of service and remembrance, further solidifying its place in American society.

The request to pause political activities on September 11, 2024, extends from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The nonprofit encourages candidates and their campaign staff to engage in non-partisan activities such as volunteering, prayer, and supporting charities. These actions are intended to honor the 9/11 victims, rescue and recovery workers, and military members who served in response to the attacks, while fostering national unity.

As the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approaches, the call from 9/11 Day serves as a poignant reminder of the need for unity and collective remembrance. By setting aside political differences, the nation can come together to honor the legacy of those who were affected by the tragic events and continue to embody the spirit of resilience and compassion that emerged in their wake.