9/11 Day co-founders plan CNN special to generate good deeds

For years, David Paine and Jay Winuk have wanted to turn 9/11 into something positive, as counterintuitive as that might sound.

The two co-founders of 9/11 Day, who successfully lobbied the government to officially rename the day September 11 National Day of Service & Remembrance, have encouraged millions to commemorate the day with volunteerism. To mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, whose victims included Winuk’s brother Glenn, Paine and Winuk are expanding their efforts with a CNN special, “Shine a Light,” airing on Sept. 11.

The tribute to those affected by 9/11, Paine said, will also serve as “a telethon, except instead of asking people to donate money we’re asking them to donate pledges of good deeds."

The Associated Press spoke recently with Paine and Winuk about how the meaning of 9/11 has changed and what this year’s anniversary means to them. The interview was edited for clarity and length.

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AP: With all the crises in the world today, does 9/11 still get the attention it is due?

Paine: Despite COVID, despite the events unfolding in Afghanistan, which are very important to a lot of us, despite the hurricane, despite all the extraordinary things that go on in our lives — some very tragic — 9/11 is sort of that moment when we get to stop and think about what’s most important in life, which is each other.

Winuk: And the lessons learned in the aftermath of 9/11 can be applied right now to the situation that our nation is in. In some ways, the 20th anniversary is coming at a really important time.

Paine: People want a sense of togetherness and unity. That’s really driving a lot of the growing interest particularly in our observance.

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AP: Unity isn’t something we see a lot in America right...