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9/11 Led Them to Enlist. Here’s What They’re Saying Now.
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, a diverse group of young Americans, many unlikely military candidates, enlisted in the armed forces despite no large-scale mobilization effort.
- President George W. Bush encouraged a return to normalcy, resulting in new recruits comprising less than 0.001 percent of the U.S. population in the year after 9/11.
- Three veterans who joined shortly after 9/11 shared mixed emotions, including pride, regret, frustration, and gratitude, reflecting on both the hardships of combat and the strong camaraderie formed.
- Former Army Captain Joe Kearns Goodwin described the experience as working toward a purpose greater than oneself, a feeling he believes he will miss for the rest of his life.
