People have a tendency to develop emotional memories after a particularly traumatic event. Sometimes they are able to repress these memories, only reminded of them after hearing a sound or a song that brings them back.

While I was fortunately spared the worst effects of 9/11, these events were a time of great uncertainty in my life. At the time, I was the executive officer of Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and my unit’s primary responsibility was to train American brigades for combat operations. Tens of thousands of soldiers and officers I had trained over the prior two-year period would soon be going to war.

During the time, I experienced only two emotions: anger and melancholy. I decided to revive these memories in anticipation of 9/11’s tenth anniversary by including some links to music that was popular at the time, and that reflected my mood.

It’s Been Awhile by Staind

Schism by Tool

Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down

Crawling by Linkin Park

In the End by Linkin Park

Drive by Incubus

Alive by P.O.D.

Sour Girl by Stone Temple Pilots

Chop Suey by System of a Down

Ms. Jackson by OutKast