Anthony Kearns and Wells of Life Commemorate 9/11 through First-ever Memorial Water Well for Uganda Communities

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Sept. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wells of Life National Ambassador Anthony Kearns, a renowned tenor and member of The Irish Tenors,  commemorated the legacy of the 9/11 victims, survivors and heroes at a community benefit hosted by Tobias Harris.

Kearns, who resides in Orlando, said he appreciated the opportunity to sing a 9/11 tribute for victims, their families, emergency responders, and military service men and women at the event.

"9/11 is a day that will never be forgotten. But we are also reminded about how a great nation and its people came together and became even more resilient in the face of tragedy," said Kearns.

Kearns also recently partnered with the non-profit group, Wells of Life, to dedicate a memorial water well to victims of the 9/11 attacks and U.S. military members who protect freedom around the world. Located in the Katakwi District of Uganda, "The 9/11 Anthony Kearns Memorial Well" is already providing fresh drinking water for the local community.

"The new life that is growing as a result of this water well is a meaningful way to cherish their legacy," said Kearns.

Kearns dedicated the "Anthony Kearns 9/11 Memorial Well" after performing during the 2014 National September 11 Memorial & Museum Benefit in New York City. At the event, Kearns sang, "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears," written by famed Irish composer and novelist, Brendan Graham. The song tells of the first immigrant – a young Irish girl – to enter through Ellis Island. Kearns also has performed at several other events to honor police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders who perished on September 11, 2001.

Said Wells of Life Founder Nick Jordan: "Our first 9/11 Memorial Well unites the world across two continents and shows the power of giving and receiving. On that fateful day 14 years ago, the world came together in sorrow and strength. Today, we are giving back in a way that strengthens the bond between citizens of the world." The 9/11 Memorial Well is the 104^th well drilled by Wells of Life.

"We're so grateful to Anthony Kearns for partnering with us, and we are also especially grateful to our donors who have been incredible in supporting our mission to serve communities in need. Giving such a basic but necessary gift – fresh water – is one of the best ways to honor the lives of those we have lost," he said.

Earlier this year, Wells of Life also sponsored its first "World Water Day" walkathon and announced that the first well financed that day would be dedicated to Pope Francis.

On Friday, September 25th, Pope Francis will visit the 9/11 memorial site, where nearly 3,000 people were killed by terrorist attacks in September of 2001. After likely praying at the site, the pontiff will meet with local representatives of the world religions inside Foundation Hall at the 9/11 Memorial Museum for a multi-religious meeting for peace.  During this meeting, Pope Francis will deliver an address to the people and various prayers will be said.

Kearns said he feels honored to have performed at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, especially since it will be graced by His Holiness' presence later in this month.

Jordan stated: "Pope Francis believes, as we do, in the power to transform lives, communities, and indeed the world, one act at a time.  One act can be the spark for hundreds and then thousands of acts of good. This is what we plan to do at Wells of Life. Our goal is to fund the drilling of 1,000 water wells in Uganda over a ten-year period."  

Pope Francis will be visiting Uganda in November 2015.

Wells of Life is a 501(c)3 organization to provide 1,000 fresh drinking water wells for children and families in Uganda.

To learn more about Wells of Life, please visit www.wellsoflife.org. 

SOURCE Wells of Life

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