Blue Star Mothers mark 25 years since 9/11 with call to service

Blue Star Mothers of America is marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with remembrance events and a renewed push for volunteer service. The group is urging Americans to honor service members, veterans, first responders and military families while carrying forward the unity that followed 9/11.

Why it matters: - The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is a national moment of remembrance and service. - Blue Star Mothers of America is tying that anniversary to the long impact of the attacks on military families, veterans and first responders. - The observance also reinforces the group’s core mission of supporting military service members, veterans, military families and families of Fallen Heroes.

What happened: - Blue Star Mothers of America marked Patriot Day on Sept. 11, 2026, and reflected on the 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. - The attacks struck the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. - The organization called on Americans to remember those lost and honor the service that followed. - National President Karen Stillwell said Americans came together after the attacks and that Blue Star Mothers honors the fallen by supporting those who serve and care for veterans.

The details: - Patriot Day is recognized as a Day of Service and Remembrance. - Blue Star Mothers of America is encouraging people to join local memorial ceremonies and remembrance events. - Suggested acts of service include visiting veterans, supporting military families, volunteering in the community, donating needed items, writing messages to deployed service members and helping neighbors. - The group said service members, veterans and military families were shaped by the post-9/11 era through deployments, separations, uncertainty and sacrifice. - Some veterans enlisted because of the attacks, while others were already serving when military service changed dramatically. - Military mothers have supported sons and daughters through deployments, homecomings, civilian transitions and loss. - Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in 1942 and now has more than 6,000 members in nearly 200 chapters nationwide. - Members volunteer in Veterans Affairs facilities and state veterans homes, send care packages, support Gold Star Families, join patriotic ceremonies and serve in their communities. - The organization said it is nonpartisan, nonpolitical and nonsectarian. - More information is available at the organization’s website. - The group also shared updates on Facebook.

Between the lines: - Blue Star Mothers is using the anniversary to link national mourning with everyday civic action. - The message frames remembrance not as a one-day event, but as continued support for families still living with the effects of post-9/11 military service. - The emphasis on volunteerism reflects a broader effort to translate collective memory into local community support.

What's next: - Blue Star Mothers of America wants Americans to keep attending memorial events and taking part in service activities throughout the Patriot Day observance. - The organization is also continuing year-round support for deployed service members, veterans, Gold Star Families and military families. - The 25th anniversary is likely to keep public attention on the people and communities shaped by the post-9/11 era.