With President Barack Obama declaring 9/11 a national day of service, it was decided to combine the United Way Day of Caring with the new event.

Opening ceremonies, held by the flag pole in front of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sequim, included a flag ceremony and speech before volunteers went to their projects.

Members of the Knights of Columbus from St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church presented the flag, Steve Holloway gave a tribute, and Amanda Bacon sang the national anthem and "God Bless America."

The 2009 service projects were at First Teacher and the Sequim Food Bank.