It is truly unfortunate in 2020 that Veterans Day gathering is discouraged due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, military personnel will never be forgotten as long as we read to remember their sacrifice and service to our country. Here is a sampling of MI Library's extensive American history collection in honor of Veterans Day as well as a list of virtual events to celebrate this momentous day.
The Mechanics' Institute Library will be closed on November 11 in honor of our veterans.
To all the veterans in our membership, we owe you and your families a great debt. Thank you for your service.
Veterans' Day Recommended Reading:
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne From Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest by Stephen Ambrose - The story of a legendary group of soldiers who captured Hitler's Bavarian outpost.
Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden - Originally written as a series for the Philadelphia Inquirer, journalist Mark Bowden's searing look at an incident during the U.S. military action in Somalia.
A Few Good Women: America's military women from World War I to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by Eveyln Monahan and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee - The story of the U.S. women's military corp, women who fought for the right to defend their country by serving in the armed forces with full military rank and benefits.
Flyboys: a true story of courage by James Bradley - The story of long-distance bomber crews in the Pacific campaign in Tokyo in 1942, during which George H.W. Bush was shot down. A memorable portrait of men in battle.
The Forever War by Dexter Filkins - A chronicle of a remarkable chain of events that begins with the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s, continues with the attacks of 9/11, and moves on to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw - Brokaw interviews heroes and heroines who served in or who sent loved ones into World War II battlefields. Their stories are remarkable and awe-inspiring -- one of the best wartime memoirs ever.
The Greatest Generation Speaks: letters and reflections by Tom Brokaw - A fine selection of letters written to the author in response to his book, The Greatest Generation. Also available in a Large Print edition.
The Hello Girls: America's first women soldiers by Elizabeth Cobbs - Tells the story of the U.S. Army's Signal Corps women who played a critical role in World War I communications.
Lone Survivor: the eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and the lost heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson - The story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell who fought a desperate battle in the Pakistani mountains.
Soldier Girls by Helen Thorpe - Follows the experiences of three women in the Indiana National Guard who chose to enlist for different reasons, never expecting to go to war.
Unbroken: a World War II story of survival, resilience and redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. Also available as an e-book and as an audiobook on CD.
We Were Soldiers Once….and Young by Lt Gen. Harold G. Moore, USA (Ret) and Joseph L. Galloway - A devastating account of Ia Drang, the battle that changed the war in Vietnam.
Women Vietnam Veterans: our untold stories by Donna A. Lowery - The story of how women's impact in Vietnam set the stage for expansion and integration of females into additional roles in the military
Veterans Day 2020 Virtual Events:
National Veterans Memorial and Museum online ceremony, Nov. 11 at 10 am EST. Includes messages and remarks from Marine Corps and Navy Veteran Montel William, Army Veteran and President and CEO of Big Lots Bruce Thorn, and Army Veteran Michael Ferriter.
Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony - Live streaming from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Nov. 11 at 11 am EST.
Vietnam Veterans Wall Ceremony - Live streaming commemoration ceremony Nov. 11 at 1 pm EST.
NYC Veterans Day Parade - Live streaming from this link: https://parade.uwvc.org/?fbclid=IwAR3ohJajTPYxAZtg0QEcjE2sR-AcLMkH4BWJ8IkpfAFBlYcpejfghtdRd9I.
