Canadian Catholic commemorates compassionate, selfless 9/11 aftermath

Maureen Basnicki is working to ensure Canadians remember the spirit of service and compassion that followed the September 11 terrorist attacks. Basnicki, a victims' advocate, founded Canada’s National Day of Service to honor people who dedicate themselves to serving their communities and country.

Her husband, Kenneth Basnicki, was one of 24 Canadians killed on the 106th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center during the attacks 25 years ago. At the time, the Toronto resident was attending a conference in New York City.

Basnicki also co-founded Secure Canada, an organization that seeks to improve Canadian counter-terror legislation and tools. The National Day of Service was proclaimed in Canada in 2011 and was recognized as a Provincial Day of Service in Ontario in 2022.