On Saturday, the world will remember the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon and in a field in Pennsylvania.

To commemorate that day, several organizations have encouraged residents to ponder the events of Sept. 11, 2001, visit memorial sites and to give acts of service.

In recognition of the 9/11 National Day of Service, 16 Young Single Adult (YSA) stakes from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from across northern Utah County will participate in a project to clean up and beautify sections of the Provo River Trail extending from Utah Lake to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon.

“It’s good to be back to doing proactive things,” said Joel Sybrowsky, first counselor in the Provo/Orem 18th Stake. “This brings people together. We’ve got a very engaged people.”

This massive clean-up is part of the national planned commemoration of those who came together to positively impact the country after the devastating attacks 20 years ago. The project is being organized with support from Utah County and Provo city agencies.

Up to 3,000 single adults will be involved in a massive clean-up along the Provo River trail from Vivian Park to Utah Lake. (Courtesy Provo city)

With a membership of approximately 35,000 18-32 year-old individuals across these stakes, organizers expect 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers will participate in improving/maintaining sections of the trail, according to Sybrowsky.

Most members will gather between 9 and 11 a.m. to participate in various projects, including cleaning the trail, removing overgrowth and trash, removing graffiti on bridges and other structures and similar projects. Volunteers have been asked to bring tools including rakes, broom, clippers and more. Most section organizers are providing gloves, trash bags, breakfast and water.

“Some of those participating weren’t even alive on 9/11,” Sybrowsky said. “This gives us an opportunity to discuss what happened.”

Sybrowsky added that this kinds of service is, “quintessentially American. It allows us to build, to remember and to unify.”

Residents are reminded to keep an eye out along pathways and roadways for these volunteers as they drive through Provo Canyon and around Utah Lake.

Newsletter