Today is a day of remembrance. A day that we reflect on the lives lost on this day 13 years ago, and lives lost since then as a result of this day. We, like many of you, remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we learned about the tragic events happening. Every year since then we have used today as a day of reflection, a day of remembering. Sometimes we even write things like this:
I grew up in a relatively small town. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all lived in that same town. In many ways I suppose you could say I lived a sheltered life. The only label I really identified with at the time was being a Bearcat, our high school mascot. Or Captain of the Centralettes, our high school dance team. But on this day 13 years ago I became aware that I was part of something bigger.
For the first time in my life I realized what the words “proud to be an American” really meant. I saw my school, my town, come together like never before. In the days and months that followed cliques were forgotten, because they no longer mattered. We were one. And that was true all across the country. America’s “cliques” were lost and replaced by a time when we all stood together. We were together in our shock, sadness, fear, pride, and yes, in love. Out of tragedy, after the very worst times, came something beautiful. It’s that feeling that I love to reflect on the most. It fills my heart with so much pride when thoughts of today can so easily bring only sorrow.
As an Army spouse, I feel like in some ways I spend every day remembering the events of 9/11. The sacrifices that have been made, and the decisions that have been made every day since. Today especially, we remember the lives lost that day and all the lives lost since. But I also hope that we all remember what it felt like to be united in the months after. What it felt like to stand together. I hope that we never forget that.
United We Stand. Never Forget.
-Meg
The thing about reflection is that it doesn’t just have to happen on this one day a year. We often read things that make us pause and remember. As always, our feelings are best represented through books and the written word. So today we thought we would share a few of our favorite 9/11 and Military stories. Here are just a few of the many amazing options:
9/11 Titles
Military Titles
Titles To Watch For
What books are on your list? How many of our titles have you read? Sound off in the comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
