On September 6th, the American Red Cross joined members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to clean the Houston National Cemetery, honoring 9/11 and remembering fallen first responders and service members.

I spoke with Stephanie Orozco, a staff member of the Red Cross who attended the event. “This event is important not just to me but to the Red Cross because we want to show the great respect we have for the veterans who have gone before us. We want to honor them and give them our thanks for the sacrifices they made.” — Stephanie Orozco

Several Red Cross board members also participated in the cleanup, including Michael Panarella and Megan Stidman. I was able to speak with both of them about the importance of showing up for the community.

“The 9/11 cleaning event at the Houston National Cemetery is important to me because I was working in New York City on that tragic day and saw firsthand the courage of the first responders. Two of my close friends serve in law enforcement, and these experiences have given me a deep, profound respect for them and their families. Volunteering here is my way of honoring both the fallen and the families who continue to carry the weight of that loss. My time, respect, and gratitude are the very least I can give to ensure their legacy is never forgotten.” — Michael Panarella

“It was such a great honor to attend the event and be able to clean the gravesites of the first responders—people who help others without ever thinking of themselves and who are always in service to others. Those who have fought for us and died for us so that we can have freedom are amazing, one-of-a-kind people.” — Megan Stidman

Approximately 1,200 people attended the event to help with the cleanup. Volunteers cleaned headstones and picked up trash and debris around the cemetery grounds.

The Red Cross also supports veterans and first responders through other events such as “Flags for the Fallen” on Memorial Day, as well as by providing resources and assisting homeless veterans and first responders in getting the help they need.

If you would like to volunteer or donate so we can continue serving our community, veterans, and first responders, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/