National Day of Service and Remembrance VA Cemeteries September 12: 2026 Patriot Day Volunteer Guide
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, more than 140 VA and state Veterans cemeteries across the United States will host the National Day of Service and Remembrance starting at 10:00 AM local time . The event, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, invites volunteers to clean headstones, participate in cemetery beautification, and honor the 47 Veterans and dependents who died in the 9/11 attacks .
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | National Day of Service and Remembrance |
| Date | Saturday, September 12, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 AM local time (arrive 30 minutes early) |
| Locations | 144+ VA, state, and grant-funded cemeteries nationwide |
| Cost | Free; all supplies provided |
| Registration | Pre-register with Carry The Load |
| Official Agency | VA National Cemetery Administration |
| Collaborating Partner | Carry The Load (nonprofit) |
| Updated For | September 2026 |
What Is the National Day of Service and Remembrance?
The National Day of Service and Remembrance is a nationwide volunteer event hosted by the VA National Cemetery Administration in partnership with the nonprofit Carry The Load . It commemorates Patriot Day, established by Public Law 107-89, which designates September 11 as a day to honor the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks .
Why it matters: The 25th anniversary marks a quarter-century since the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. More than 16,000 Global War on Terror Veterans have since been interred in VA national cemeteries nationwide . This event provides Americans a meaningful way to honor their sacrifices through service.
What volunteers should do next: Pre-register with Carry The Load, arrive at your chosen cemetery by 9:30 AM on September 12, and wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work .
Participating Cemeteries and Locations
The September 12, 2026 event takes place at more than 144 locations nationwide, including VA national cemeteries, VA grant-funded state cemeteries, and private cemeteries . The official list of participating cemeteries is available through the VA National Cemetery Administration .
How to find a participating cemetery near you: Visit the VA’s National Day of Service page at cem.va.gov/volunteer/National-Day-of-Service.asp for the full list of locations .
Notable participating cemeteries include:
Annapolis National Cemetery (Annapolis, Maryland) — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern
Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (Pennsylvania)
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery (Elwood, Illinois)
Calverton National Cemetery (New York) — where many 9/11 victims are memorialized
Who Should Volunteer
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe event is open to all Americans—Veterans, active duty, military families, and the general public. Youth groups, employee teams, and individual community members are encouraged to participate .
Who qualifies to volunteer: There are no age or military service restrictions. This is a community service event designed for anyone who wishes to honor 9/11 victims and Veterans .
What volunteers will do:
Attend a brief remembrance ceremony
Clean headstones and conduct cemetery beautification
Share Veterans’ stories through the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM)
How to Register for the September 12 Event
Step 1: Choose a participating cemetery. Use the VA’s official list at cem.va.gov/volunteer/National-Day-of-Service.asp .
Step 2: Pre-register with Carry The Load. Registration is available at carrytheload.org/patriot-day/ . Pre-registration helps organizers prepare supplies and ensures a smooth check-in process .
Step 3: Arrive by 9:30 AM. Events begin at 10:00 AM local time. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended for check-in and instructions .
Step 4: Bring appropriate clothing. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. All cleaning supplies and materials are provided at no cost .
The 47 Veterans and Dependents Honored
Forty-seven Veterans and dependents who died because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are buried or memorialized in VA national cemeteries . Most are interred at Calverton National Cemetery and Long Island National Cemetery in New York .
Why this matters: These individuals were not only victims of the attacks but also Veterans who had served their country. The National Day of Service provides a specific opportunity to honor their dual legacy of military service and civilian sacrifice.
VA Burial and Memorial Benefits Information
In addition to volunteer activities, VA burial and memorial benefits information will be available at participating cemeteries . This is an opportunity for Veterans and families to learn about eligibility for:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Gravesite in VA national cemetery | At no cost to the family for eligible Veterans |
| Headstone, marker, or medallion | For eligible Veterans in national, state, or private cemeteries |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | Official recognition signed by the President |
| Burial flag | Presented to families of eligible Veterans |
| Military funeral honors | Ceremonial flag folding, taps, and rifle volley |
Who qualifies for VA burial benefits: Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions; spouses and surviving spouses of eligible Veterans; and dependent children .
What Veterans and families should do next: Visit a participating cemetery on September 12 to speak with VA staff about pre-need eligibility determinations and burial benefit questions .
The Veterans Legacy Memorial
The Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) is VA’s online platform where families and volunteers can share tributes, photos, and stories about Veterans interred in VA cemeteries . During the National Day of Service, volunteers are encouraged to contribute to VLM by sharing the stories of the Veterans whose headstones they clean.
Why it matters: VLM ensures that the legacies of Veterans are preserved digitally for future generations. It transforms a headstone cleaning from a physical act of service into a lasting act of remembrance.
What volunteers should do next: After the event, visit the Veterans Legacy Memorial online to contribute a tribute or story for a Veteran you honored.
Carry The Load: The Partner Organization
Carry The Load is a nonprofit organization founded by two Navy SEALs to promote remembrance of fallen service members . This marks the eighth year VA has partnered with Carry The Load for Patriot Day events .
What Carry The Load does: The organization hosts the National Day of Service and Remembrance, provides registration infrastructure, and coordinates volunteer logistics across all participating cemeteries .
What volunteers should do next: Register through Carry The Load’s Patriot Day page at carrytheload.org/patriot-day/ to participate .
Common Questions
What is the National Day of Service and Remembrance?
It is a nationwide volunteer event on September 12, 2026, at 144+ VA and state Veterans cemeteries. Volunteers clean headstones and beautify cemetery grounds to honor 9/11 victims and Veterans, marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks .
Where is the event taking place?
At more than 144 locations nationwide, including VA national cemeteries, state Veterans cemeteries, and private cemeteries. A full list is available at cem.va.gov/volunteer/National-Day-of-Service.asp .
What time does the event start?
Events begin at 10:00 AM local time on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Participants are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in .
Do I need to register to volunteer?
Yes. Pre-registration is recommended through Carry The Load at carrytheload.org/patriot-day/. Registration helps organizers prepare supplies .
What should I bring to the event?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. All cleaning supplies and materials are provided at no cost. No special equipment is needed .
Is the event free to participate?
Yes. There is no cost to participate. Cleaning supplies and other materials are provided by event organizers .
Who can volunteer?
The event is open to all Americans—Veterans, military families, youth groups, employee teams, and individual community members. No military service is required .
What activities are included?
A brief remembrance ceremony followed by headstone cleaning and cemetery beautification. Volunteers can also share Veterans’ stories through the Veterans Legacy Memorial .
How many Veterans are interred in VA national cemeteries?
More than 16,000 Global War on Terror Veterans have been interred in VA national cemeteries nationwide. Forty-seven 9/11 Veterans and dependents are buried or memorialized, mostly at Calverton and Long Island National Cemeteries .
Can I get information about VA burial benefits at the event?
Yes. VA burial and memorial benefits information will be available at participating cemeteries, including eligibility questions and pre-need determinations .
What is the Veterans Legacy Memorial?
The VLM is VA’s online platform for sharing tributes, photos, and stories about Veterans interred in VA cemeteries. Volunteers are encouraged to contribute during the National Day of Service .
Key Takeaways
National Day of Service and Remembrance is Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time, at 144+ VA and state Veterans cemeteries .
The event marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honors the 47 Veterans and dependents who died in the attacks .
Registration is through Carry The Load at
carrytheload.org/patriot-day/.Volunteers clean headstones and beautify cemetery grounds; all supplies are provided free .
VA burial and memorial benefits information is available at participating cemeteries .
More than 16,000 Global War on Terror Veterans are interred in VA national cemeteries .
The Veterans Legacy Memorial allows volunteers to share Veterans’ stories digitally .
Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and a brief remembrance ceremony .
Official Resources
VA National Day of Service Page: https://www.cem.va.gov/volunteer/National-Day-of-Service.asp
Carry The Load Registration: https://www.carrytheload.org/patriot-day/
VA Burial and Memorial Benefits: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
Veterans Legacy Memorial: https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov
VA News Release: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-cemeteries-to-host-national-day-of-service-and-remembrance-marking-the-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/
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