It’s been 22 years, but the names, the sacrifices, and the stories of the heroes of 9/11 still resonate deeply within us. In Union City, a heartfelt memorial stands as a testament to their enduring memory and the unwavering spirit of unity and resilience.
A Sobering Visit
“I went to New York a month after it happened, I went to Manhattan, I saw the devastation,” shared David Baltazar of Union City. “I could still smell the smoke.” Like many others, he vividly recalls the haunting aftermath of that fateful day.
On a solemn Monday, he and countless others walked along the hallowed ground bearing the names of the 40 passengers on Flight 93, who became beacons of hope during America’s worst act of terrorism.
The Flight of Heroes
These brave souls were en route to San Francisco when their flight was tragically hijacked. Amid the chaos and uncertainty, they displayed extraordinary courage and determination. Lee Ann Williamson of Union City expressed her gratitude, saying, “I just want to say thank you to each of them for their bravery. This is the plane that realized what was going on and decided to take action.”
Captain Dahl, the pilot of Flight 93, played a pivotal role in preventing further catastrophe. The plane ultimately met its fate in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as the passengers and crew valiantly thwarted the hijackers’ sinister intentions. In 2002, a San Jose school was named in his honor, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
Betty Ong: A Beacon of Hope
San Francisco native Betty Ong remains etched in the collective memory of the country and the Bay Area. A flight attendant who wasn’t scheduled for duty on that fateful day, she volunteered to be on Flight 11 so she could return in time for a vacation with her sister.
When her family realized the gravity of the situation, they reached out to Reverend Norman Fong, a family friend, to pray for Betty’s safety. “It was because of Betty Ong’s call, 23 minutes on the phone, explaining where the terrorists were and what was going on, that saved America in many ways because after her call, that’s when America shut down the airspace,” Reverend Fong revealed.
Betty Ong’s selflessness and bravery did not go unnoticed. The 9/11 Commission recognized her as an American hero, a fitting tribute to her courage and sacrifice. To ensure that her legacy endures, a San Francisco recreation center now bears her name for all to see.
As we commemorate the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, let us remember these heroes and their indomitable spirit. Their stories remind us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the enduring power of unity.
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