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New York Veterans Continue Their Service On Anniversary Of Terror Attacks

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Volunteer groups in New York have decided to mark the anniversary of 9/11 by assisting first responders with small acts of helpfulness.

"You know it feels goof to continue serving like your still useful to your community," Marine Corps veteran Kate Campbell told CBS 2's John Slattery on Monday.

Campbell's father-in-law is a captain with the Fire Department. Her husband is a Marine serving in Afghanistan.

Campbell is one of dozens of volunteers working at New York City's fire academy on Randall's Island. Their work is sponsored by the non-profit group The Mission Continues and the International 9/11 Day Observance.

Volunteers told CBS 2's Slattery that continuing their service was important.

"You know it's this idea of continued service. We believe in serving our country in different ways," Army spouse Tabatha Renz said.

The sacrifice made by the fire department was astounding, as 343 members were killed.

"I got out of the Army in 2008. I'm looking forward to being part of something bigger than myself," West Point grad and Iraq veteran Aaron Scheinberg said.

Volunteers assist the academy with painting and gardening.

"This is stuff we can just not get to," Deputy Assistant Chief Jack Mooney said.

They can't get to it, but volunteers can. The community service project is one of six national service events organized by the International 9/11 Day Observance.

Twelve years after the tragedy the message is "Help Others."

In 2009 President Barack Obama and Congress formally established September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

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