The tragic events of 9/11 instilled in Americans a renewed sense of patriotism and the incentive to serve others. Although people pay tribute in different ways, our need to reflect and heal connects us as a nation. The events of 9/11 inspired many of today's service members, veterans and wounded warriors to serve.
As a military family, you may be looking for a special way to observe the day. Here are a few ideas for reflection and remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives.
- Observe a moment of silence. Many Americans observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. EDT, marking the exact moment Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
- Volunteer for service. In 2009, Congress designated Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Visit the United We Serve website for ideas on how you can volunteer for national or community service.
- Visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The memorial site at ground zero in New York City is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The site preserves the history of the day and provides a space to reflect and remember.
- Visit the National Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. The memorial in Arlington, Virginia, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and was built to honor the 184 people who lost their lives at the Pentagon.
- Visit the Flight 93 National Memorial. This outdoor memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honors the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, who lost their lives preventing a planned terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol building.
- Wear red, white and blue. Wear your patriotism loud and proud by dressing in our nation's colors as your own personal remembrance.
The events of 9/11 were unspeakably tragic, but continuing to observe the anniversary gives military families and families across America the chance to share and express their patriotism. How do you choose to remember?