Mesa volunteers take action to honor 9/11 victims

MESA, AZ - Volunteers helped shape downtown Mesa's Urban Garden  on Tuesday morning. It's part of National Day of Service and Remembrance, a day dedicated to honor 9/11 victims and those who stepped up to serve in the days, months and years following the tragedy.

For many people, the anniversary of the attacks has become a day to take action. In Mesa, many residents were inspired to take action in the wake of the terrible tragedy.

"We're able to put a positive spin on something that was intended to bring us down as a nation," volunteer Marco Meraz said.

Meraz and many others spent the morning digging, raking and filling planter boxes with dirt. They created the foundation for a vibrant growing garden.

"This is a sight of downtown Mesa that's historically been neglected and this is an opportunity to embrace the community and bring people together," Meraz said.

"I've talked to people who don't even live in Mesa, there's people here from Tempe and Gilbert and they're still getting involved. I think that's awesome," said Luana Anderson who was also volunteering.

The volunteers only stopped working for a moment at 8:46 a.m. to remember the victims of 9/11.

"It's kind of a tribute to those who have lost their lives and to their families and it reminds us that we live in a free land and we should be thankful for that," Anderson said.

In a matter of hours, the group transformed the dirt lot into the future home of Mesa's Urban Garden. It will grow to become a symbol of togetherness and community.
 
"You can see all the effort, when we work together dreams come true and to me that is all about America and I love it," Lucia Merlo sai.

There are 106 garden plots that will be available to rent for a yearly fee to plant fruits and veggies right in downtown Mesa.