Honoring America's Heroes for 9/11 Day
September 18, 2026 - With grant support from 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps, B4ACUSA Foundation and the Miss USA Organization brought young leaders and communities together to turn remembrance into action.
Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, the call to remember carries an equally important invitation: to serve.
This year, B4ACUSA Foundation partnered with Miss USA and Miss Teen USA for “Miss USA Honoring America’s Heroes,” a nationwide initiative expressing gratitude to first responders while helping young women become community leaders. Thanks to the generous grant support of 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps, that vision became care packages, meaningful conversations and acts of kindness across the country.
The project began during national pageant week in Miami. On August 22, all 51 Miss Teen USA delegates gathered to assemble care packages and reflect on the meaning of 9/11 Day of Service. They contributed snacks, wrote personal messages and prepared gifts for local firehouses. Packages also included stuffed animals and cards intended to comfort children affected by fires.
Wrapped in red, white and blue, each package carried a simple message: Your service matters, and we are grateful.
Throughout September, titleholders, state directors, families and community volunteers delivered the packages, met firefighters and thanked them personally. For the teen ambassadors, the experience offered hands-on lessons in organizing volunteers, communicating with community partners and following through on a commitment.
Together, our project achieved:
55 care packages assembled for contributions nationwide.
More than 275 volunteers contributing over 500 service hours.
Over 300 pounds of care-package goods, including more than $750 in donated dry goods.
51 teen ambassadors participating in youth leadership and community outreach.
A memorable moment came on September 12, when Miss USA 2026 Justus Kelley visited New York City’s historic Ladder 7 firehouse. Joined by fellow titleholders and project volunteers, she learned about firefighters’ daily responsibilities and offered thanks in person. Her New York service activities also included food distribution and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial grounds, connecting remembrance with meaningful action.
These moments remind us that service can begin with something small—a handwritten card, a donated snack or time spent listening—and grow into lasting connections.
Thank you to 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps for the grant that helped make this project possible. Your support created opportunities for young people to practice leadership, honor first responders and carry forward the spirit of unity associated with this national day of service.
To every volunteer, donor, titleholder, director, family member and firehouse that welcomed us: thank you for being part of this shared mission. Together, we honored the past by showing up for our communities today.
Learn more about B4ACUSA Foundation at B4ACUSA.org.
Learn more about 9/11 Day of Service at 911day.org
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