Free NYC concert to mark 1st 9/11 Day of Service

Some prominent performers are saying thank you to the people who have answered President Barack Obama’s call to
volunteer and to people connected to 9/11 — relatives of victims, recovery workers and those who served tours in the military after the attacks.
    Gavin DeGraw, The Roots and other musicians are performing in a free concert this Sept. 11 to mark the first time that the anniversary of the terrorist attacks is being recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, organizers announced Thursday.
    Members of the Sept. 11 community and volunteers will be among the first to receive the free tickets. Other people can try to snag one of a limited number of tickets being distributed by lottery.
    Actor Gary Sinise, talk-show host Jimmy Fallon, the Harlem Boys and Girls Choir, and singer Anjulie will be among the performers at the Beacon Theatre show. It’s part of an effort to encourage more people to serve as volunteers, organizers said.
    “Our ultimate goal is to leave a positive legacy that honors the victims and those who rose in service,” said David Paine, the president of MyGoodDeed, one of the organizations responsible for the event. “We hope to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that followed the terrorist attacks.”
    Paine’s organization, which pushed to establish Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service, was also launching a Web site on Thursday. People planning to give of their time on Sept. 11 can go to www.911dayofservice.org to share their plans and learn about volunteering opportunities.