09/25/2025
Sewa Detroit 9/11 Commemoration Event
September 11, 2025
Waterford Oaks County Park, 2800 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI Organized by Sewa Detroit in partnership with Oakland County Parks
This event was held to commemorate the lives lost and the bravery shown on September 11, 2001. It honored:
• 9/11 heroes, first responders, veterans, and community helpers
• The spirit of unity and resilience through community service
• The power of civic engagement to heal, connect, and uplift
• Unite community members from different backgrounds to bring in resilience
A total of 142 volunteers have participated in the event.
The event began with a welcoming of all the volunteers and delegates and following with National Anthem.
🛠🛠 Community Service Activities – 1 hour
Four hands-on service projects designed to foster environmental health and compassion into the community. There were four different activities conducted –
• Seeding native plants in the Waterford Oaks County Park,
• Seed Collection of various species of native
• Hygiene kits making for the underserve and
• Peanut butter and jam sandwiches
• Impacts of the activities –
Activity- Description - Impact
Park Seeding: 1.1 acres of public park seeded with native plant species - Supports biodiversity and long-term ecological health
Seed Collection: 100–1,200 seeds gathered from 8 native species - Enables future restoration and educational programs
Hygiene Kit Assembly: 500 kits prepared for homeless shelters and senior care facilities - Promotes dignity and well- being for underserved populations
PB&J
Sandwich Making: 300 sandwiches made for Hope Center for Women and Children - Provides immediate nourishment and care to vulnerable families
👥👥Guest Participation
Seven distinguished guests joined the event, representing:
• State Representative Sharon MacDonell
• Oakland County Parks and Recreation Director, Chris Ward
• Oakland County Chief Outdoor Education, Ashlie Smith
• Troy City Council Member, Hirak Chanda
• Troy School District Board Member, Vital Anne
• GLREA President John Freeman
• Community Leader and Helper, Hema Rachmale
These guests not only delivered heartfelt speeches reflecting on the legacy of 9/11, but also actively participated in service activities—planting seeds, assembling kits, and engaging with volunteers in acts of kindness.
🔍🔍 Reflections & Testimonials
“This was more than a service day—it was a living tribute to courage and compassion.”
— Volunteer, Age 17
“We planted seeds today, not just in the soil, but in the hearts of our community.”
--- Hirak Chanda, City Council
“Sewa Detroit showed Selflessness today, that is something that we can carry forward, taking a difficult adversity and turning it into an opportunity to do something positive for the community”
---- State Rep. Sharon MacDonell
AmeriCorps 9/11 Day Sewa International USA