Five years ago today - I remember it well. My mother called me early that morning to tell me that my older brother was on a plane from JFK. Fortunately, his plane was not one of four that was boarded by terrorists and subsequently crashed. 

A friend that I worked with on Wall Street escaped any harm on September 11 but knew several people who perished that had worked at Cantor Fitzgerald and as rescuers. 

I used to take the train into the World Trade Center from New Jersey many years before 2001 and yet I feel connected to the place.

Like most significant events in history, each of us can remember where we were and what we were doing. Most of also have some personal connection to the event.

I am grateful that we still hold this day as a sacred reminder of those that were lost. Heroes who gave their lives as well as the victims of such senseless violence.

We should remember and honor our people’s response to this tragedy. We should remember the spirit of unity that congealed us against this evil. We should remember the ideals and human spirit that pushed rescuers into a burning building, that drove passengers of United flight 93 to revolt, that sustained rescuer workers for months after September 11 and that renewed a sense of compassion and volunteerism among citizens throughout our country.

What can we do to assure that these ideals and spirit are upheld and sustainable? How can we honor the victims, heroes and volunteers of 9-11? How can we bolster our resolve to create a safer, peaceful and better world?

Try myGoodDeed.org for a start. Organized by 2002 by David Paine and Jay Winuk, it is a call for 9/11 to become “National Day of Voluntary Service, Charity and Good Deeds.”

“The concept of myGoodDeed.org and One Day's Pay originated in 2002 by David Paine and Jay Winuk, two friends who wondered: ‘What shall become of 9/11?’"

“Please join Americans everywhere who are pledging to perform good deeds in honor of the victims, heroes and volunteers of 9/11. It's free and confidential. Any act of kindness, charity or service counts!”

Don’t be shy. Get involved. If you aren’t sure what to do, there are suggestions on the site and a place to search for local volunteer opportunities.