*By Conor White* For most, September 11 is a day of reflection and remembrance to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks 17 years ago. Jay Winuk is one such observer; he lost his brother Glen, a 20-year volunteer firefighter, after he rushed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan to help those inside. One year after the attacks, Winuk co-founded 9/11 Day, now federally-recognized, to remember his brother and the nearly 3,000 others whose lives abruptly ended in 2001. "Glen and so many others really sacrificed a lot," Winuk said Tuesday in an interview on Cheddar. "But if we can make the world a little bit better for those in need each 9/11, that'd be a pretty good way to remember the day." 9/11 Day encourages people to volunteer, support charities, and perform simple good deeds. After starting out as a grassroots movement, Tuesday's event will see nearly 30 million people participate across the country. "We hope this becomes ubiquitous," Winuk said. "\[September 11th is\] not a holiday, it's an observance." In New York alone, 850,000 meals will be assembled for hungry residents. Meals will also be packed for the hungry in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. 9/11 Day and the non-profit behind it, MyGoodDeed, also provides teachers and students with learning materials about September 11th to teach them about the good carried out by responders. "All of us who lived through 9/11, at some point, we're not going to be here, so we wanted to establish an observance where people have the opportunity to learn the other side of 9/11," Winuk said. "If they learn only about the attacks and not how good people of the world responded, then we've lost an opportunity." For more information, visit [911Day.org](https://www.911day.org/). For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/finding-light-on-the-darkest-day).

Share:
More In Culture
Female Founder Fighting the Climate Crisis; Three Ways to Reach Your Financial Goals
On this episode of ChedHER: Podcast Host of 'That's Total Mom Sense' breaks down the biggest challenges mothers are facing today; CEO of Joro explains how her app can help users track, reduce, and automatically offset the carbon footprint of their purchases; Three ways to improve your financial wellbeing and set goals for yourself and your future.
Are Young Americans Returning To Smoking?
According to a recent analysis in the NYTimes, young Americans have begun to take on the habit of smoking cigarettes despite the decades of evidence showing just how dangerous they are. Contributor at New York Times John Ortved, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
Smartcar Raises $24 Million Series B to Expand Software Development Platform for Connected Cars
Connected cars software development platform Smartcar announced this week it has raised $24 million in a Series B round led by Energize Ventures. Smartcar's software can be integrated into mobile and web apps from mobility businesses. It allows users to do things like locate and unlock a vehicle, as well as check its mileage, fuel level, and battery if the vehicle is electric. Smartcar's technology is compatible with 22 different vehicle brands in 31 different countries. Smartcar co-founder and CEO Sahas Katta joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Behind Australian Judges Ruling for Allowing Novak Djokovic Deportation
The drama surrounding tennis star Novak Djokovic continues after he was deported from Australia over the weekend due to the nation's COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Djokovic was forced to leave the country on the eve of what was to be his first match in defense of his Australian Open title after three judges ruled in favor of his removal and revealed their reasoning for doing so. Adding to his woes, a law recently passed in France is putting his chances of defending his French Open title in jeopardy. The director of Marist's Center for Sports Communication, Jane McManus, joined Cheddar to discuss the ongoing fallout.
Load More