(NECN: Scot Yount, Boston) - On Wednesday, a day of national service, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund set up on the Rose Kennedy Greenway to pack care packages for soldiers who are serving far from home.
"It really gives me a positive place to focus," said Cindy McGinty, whose husband Mike was killed on 9/11.
Lots of the people were in attendance like Cindy McGinty, who lost someone in the attacks and want to give back.
"I like to say that Sept. 11 being declared a National Day of Service and Remembrance is a positive thing. It is a way to pay forward all the kindness that people showed to me," said McGinty.
The governor and other city and state officials also attended. Many of them are worried that the tragedy of Sept. 11 is being forgotten.
"It is up to all of us to do what we can to remind people, but there are individuals who have to take responsibility for appreciating the solemnity of the moment as well," said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
Christie Coombs lost her husband Jeff that day. For her, a dozen years later, the pain is no less. She too paying it forward.
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"It is good to see the community coming out to support the military families and to support those who are serving over seas," said Coombs.
McGinty, like Coombs, has made it her mission to make sure we never forget those who were lost on that tragic day.
"So what really happened that day is yeah, they killed Mike, but they brought my community and my family together and the world wrapped their arms around us," McGinty said.
