Grassroots Courage and Sacrifice: Flight 93 on 9/11

The first known act of grassroots resistance and courage and sacrifice on 9/11 is the passengers and crew of Flight 93. Knowing they were more than likely doomed they banded together to fight the terrorists who were flying the plane probably to the White House or Congress. They boarded that plane as strangers and became heroes in the first battle against terrorism.

While cell phones and service were in infancy, compared to today, the passengers were able to call family members and piece together what was happening below. The Grassroots heroes took a vote on whether to attempt an overthrow of the terrorists. One of the passengers had some knowledge of flying and volunteered to fly the plane if they overcame the terrorists. They began a plan. They said their last words to their loved ones and as Todd Beamer rallied the small army with “Let’s roll!” these grassroots warriors rushed the cockpit. They had a common cause. Knowing they would probably die; they chose to die fighting. They were determined to fight for their loved ones and country. There is no greater cause than this. Armed with boiling water from the gally, a serving cart, and strength, the passengers and crew overcame the terrorist watching them and perhaps breached the cockpit as the terrorist pilot rocked, rolled, and spun the plane violently finally thrusting Flight 93 into a field near Shanksville Pennsylvania.

The following day, September 12 millions of Americans united together to mourn the loss of thousands fellow Americans who woke up on 9/11 and transcended time and history. 9/11 changed many Americans that day. Some enlisted in the military, some determined to become leaders in causes to serve, protect, and preserve the American way of life. 9/11 changed me. It woke me from a complacent citizen to an American who remembered how much she loved this country and what living here means. We owe it to all our heroes, from today, 9/11, and back to our Founders to honor the legacy of their sacrifice for our Constitutional Republic. We must never forget and never give up.

To learn more about the passengers and crew of Flight 9/11 and visit the memorial sight link onto https://www.flight93friends.org/ .