U.S. Embassy, London
September 14, 2018
014/18
@USAinUKPress
[London, United Kingdom] – Today, officials from the United States Embassy celebrated the 2018 Day of Service by volunteering to at local schools across Battersea and throughout the Nine Elms area. Volunteers helped with landscaping, rubbish clean-up and sports events. Approximately 60 Embassy staff and family members worked jointly with staff from the Wandsworth Council and residents.
The Embassy’s outreach took place to mark the American tradition of service to the local community in remembrance of the victims of 9/11. The National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of efforts, originally launched in 2002, to promote community service as an annual tribute to the 9/11 victims and survivors. On this day we take inspiration from how the American people and our friends worldwide responded to the tragedy of 9/11 and fought back against division and destruction with an overwhelming spirit of unity, solidarity and service to others.
Ambassador Robert Wood Johnson joined teams of volunteers at the Rose Community Center as they prepared to fan out across the borough. Wandsworth Council Leader Ravi Govindia and Kathryn Stewart, Head of Programme for Nine Elms also attended.
Ambassador Johnson said:
“This the second time I have been to the Rose Community Centre. The Embassy is committed to on-going engagement with the local community. Today, we have been tidying up and picking up rubbish and planting flowers – and most importantly, meeting new people here in this community. It’s great to be here a year later and see not only the flowers that have grown in that time – but the relationships that have grown as well.
For Americans the 9/11 Day of Service is special. I think it says a lot about the American spirit. When people try to divide us or bring us down, we rise stronger and more unified than ever.”
Ravi Govindia, Wandsworth Council Leader said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome again the US Ambassador and his army of volunteers from the Embassy here in Battersea.
“All pitching in to improve our local area brings everyone together with such a sense of friendship and really helps all our Nine Elms neighbours get to know one another.
“I hope we hold onto the community spirit fostered today as we welcome new people to the area and show them what a great place it is.”
Simon Murphy, CEO of Battersea Power Station said:
“It is a honour to be involved again in this fantastic initiative which benefits the local community and brings neighbours together. A number of volunteers from BPSDC got stuck in with collecting rubbish and planting flowers today, welcoming the opportunity to improve the local area for all to enjoy.
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