Nichelle Mitchem

Nichelle Mitchem Discusses the Importance of Safety in Our Homes, Communities, and Nation

Nichelle Mitchem Discusses the Importance of Safety in Our Homes, Communities, and Nation

Posted on September 23, 2009 by Administrator

As the month of September is quickly drawing to a close and the month of October is fast approaching, we are reminded that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed and the first national toll-free hotline was established. In 1989, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress.

Each year, the DVAM activities held vary but the common themes are: mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end violence. For information about DVAM activities in your area, you can contact your local domestic violence program.

Domestic violence thrives on apathy. This pervasive public health issue takes everyone to make it stop. Domestic violence can be eradicated with an equal amount of conscience, mind, heart, and collective action. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we should commit ourselves to halting violence within our homes, our communities, and our nation.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

“Out of evil came good.”

In commenting on the horror that occurred on the morning of Tuesday, September 10, 2001, President Bush proclaimed that, “Our nation was deeply wounded.” The President went on to say that, “Out of evil came good.” September 11, 2009, marks the eighth anniversary of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when nineteen (19) suicidal terrorist highjackers crashed four (4) planes headed for New York City, New York and Washington, DC. In response to the atrocities that were committed on Tuesday, September 10, 2001 a movement grew to have good concur evil via provision of community service nationwide.

The date of September 11, 2001 will be indelibly etched in the collective memory of every American. Upon learning of the devastation and the tremendous loss of lives, our nation gasped in horror at the senseless loss of life. On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, two (2) planes hit the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth plane crashed in field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost three thousand (3,000) people perished and countless lives are forever changed. As the President so aptly stated on this memorable day “Our nation was deeply wounded.”

“Out of evil will come good.”

“Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and support groups began to seek a forward-looking tribute to honor the sacrifice of those lost and pay tribute to those who rose in service in response to the tragedy. By encouraging Americans to participate in service and remembrance activities on the 9/11 anniversary, family members wanted to provide a productive and respectful way to honor those who perished and rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that swept our nation after 9/11 to help meet the challenges we face today.

Because of their efforts to build support for this idea, September 11 has been designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance was established into law by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in 2009, and is consistent with President Obama’s overall call to service, United We Serve.” (Corporation for National and Community Service website).

In honor and in celebration of the almost 3000 persons that lost their lives on 9/11, please join countless persons nationwide participating in service and remembrance activities on September 11, 2009.

Sources: Corporation for National and Community Service website. Wikipedia. Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art