A day of service was held at Bridgeport's Total Mortgage Arena on Thursday, marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"September 11th is a solemn day of remembrance, but it's also a day when people across the country came together in service," said Carmen Ana Amell, the corporate giving manager for Connecticut Foodshare.

With signs saying "remember the good" around Total Mortgae Arena, over 400 volunteers from around the state packed 145,000 nonperishable meals, inspired by the spirit of coming together and helping out that many saw after the attacks.

"We really pride ourselves in making sure we're not only a entertainment destination, but we're also using our venue for good," said Cameron Cavlovich, the arena's director of marketing. "So it means a lot to also be able to serve the local community."

The meals will be distributed to families in need around the state by Connecticut Foodshare.

"One in seven people in Connecticut faces food insecurity, and that includes one in six children,” explained Amell. “Our work is about more than just meals, it's about dignity, hope and connections."

This is part of a national program which started in 2002 but has never been held in Connecticut until this year.

One of the volunteers, Frank Micalizzi said "this is our way of giving back and I can't think of a better way of giving back to the community and recognizing and honoring the people who passed away in 9/11."

Across the country, 24 other cities hosted similar events, putting together over 9 million meals.