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MEC President’s Letter – We Remember

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Twenty years ago, following the events of September 11, 2001, we made a promise to never forget those who made the greatest sacrifice any of us could ever be called upon to make and we think of our heroes in the sky.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Twenty years ago, following the events of September 11, 2001, we made a promise to never forget those who made the greatest sacrifice any of us could ever be called upon to make and we think of our heroes in the sky.

United Flight 175: Robert J. Fangman, Amy N. Jarret, Amy R. King, Kathryn LaBorie, Alfred G. Marchand, Michael C. Tarrou, Alicia N. Titus, Captain: Victor Saracini, First Officer: Michael Horrocks, Customer Service Representatives: Marianne MacFarlane and Jesus Sanchez

United Flight 93: Lorraine G. Bay, Sandra Bradshaw, Wanda A. Green, CeeCee Lyles, Deborah Welsh, Captain: Jason Dahl, First Officer: Leroy Homer

American Flight 11: Barbara Arestegui, Jeffrey Collman, Sara Low, Karen Martin, Kathleen Nicosia, Betty Ong, Jean Roger, Madeline Sweeney, Dianne Snyder, Captain: John Ogonowski, First Officer: Thomas McGuinness, Customer Service Representative: Renee Newell

American Flight 77: Michele Heidenberger, Jennifer Lewis, Kenneth Lewis, Renee May, Captain: Charles Burlingame, First Officer: David Charlebois

The events of September 11th changed our industry, our country and our world.  Collectively we worked our way through uncertainty and fear and definitively led the way into courage and resolve. For those of us who were part of the events of that day, no one will ever truly understand the profound impact they had on each of us.  For our newer members, who may not have viewed the events of that day through the lenses of a Flight Attendant at that time, the experience will be viewed differently, but no less significantly now that you share the perspective of a first responder. 

As Flight Attendants, regardless of our background, political or social beliefs, all of us understand what it means to be part of a crew, a part of something bigger than ourselves. This is a unique and sacred experience that binds us to each other in a shared experience.  The events of that day, 20 years ago, continue to have an impact on us and our world around us.  The people who perished that day, some who we may never have known, hold a deep meaning for us and we remember them every day, every time, every flight when we put on our uniform and step onto the airplane to fulfill our essential roles as safety professionals.

Looking back on our journey over the last 20 years, it is undeniable that we have been through so much since that day, regardless of where we started our journey in the airline industry. Changes in the industry brought about by bankruptcies, mergers and Joint Collective Bargaining Agreements are all around us.   While it seems like only yesterday we all lost a sense of innocence we never knew we had and today treasure above all else, we cannot help but long to step back in time.  We lost something valuable that day, but nothing more precious than the people; co-workers, passengers, friends, family and loved ones.

On this day, in remembrance, we honor all those who lost their lives that fateful day, on the airplanes, on the ground and in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. We once again pledge to keep our commitment and promise to Never Forget. In our hearts, in our prayers and always on our minds are those who are no longer with us.  Especially today, we remember.

In Remembrance,

Ken Diaz
United Master Executive Council President