First responders show dedication and courage daily by being on
the front lines when disasters occur. In the attack on the World
Trade Center in New York City in 2001 when thousands of people
were killed or injured, more than four hundred emergency workers
also lost their lives. In honor of first responders, the US Senate designated September 12 as the National Day Encouragement. It
was first announced in 2007 and has been celebrated each year
ever since.