Just as a new videotape from Osama bin Laden was released over the weekend, tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on New York and the Pentagon, and as in year's past, there will be events, speeches and vigils across the country to remember the dead. But with more time now between us and that tragic day, it does seem as though the way we want to honor the anniversary may be slowly changing. In New York, WABC-TV initially did not plan to broadcast the reading of all the victims' names at a planned memorial service near Ground Zero, which it had done in previous years, but protests from some victims' relatives forced them to reconsider. It doesn't seem too hard to imagine, however, a time in the near future when news stations will be able to cut back on their coverage of Sept. 11 memorial services without such protests.

For those of you looking for a way to honor the anniversary in a less maudlin way this year, Mayor Fenty has a suggestion: volunteer. Fenty has declared Sept. 11 Patriot Day in the District, and is asking residents to remember the terrorist attacks “by engaging in acts of community service or other good deeds.” We're all about getting involved in the community, so we think this is a great idea.

If you'd like to answer the Mayor's call to service, here's a number of resources to turn to find volunteering opportunities.

>> Visit Greater DC Cares, a wonderful organization that helps place volunteers with needy charities. You normally need to attend a a brief orientation meeting before placement, but we think signing up for an upcoming session tomorrow and making a commitment to work with them over the long term is a perfect way to fulfill Mayor Fenty's vision.

>> Go to a web site such as ServeNet.org or VolunteerMatch.org and enter your zip code for a list of volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood. You can also call 1-800-VOLUNTEER for similar listings over the phone.

>> One charity wrote to us asking our help to spread the word that they are short on volunteers: The Higher Achievement Program is looking for mentors willing to commit to working with up to three local motivated middle school students from 6 – 8:15 p.m. one evening per week. Training, lesson plans, and curricula are provided for the next session, which begins in three weeks.

Any other charities out there want to ask DCist readers to get involved? Leave your info in the comments. Want to recommend a charity you've had fun being involved with? You know what to do.

Photo by drewsaunders