The Inspiring Story of Flight 93

When we think back to 9/11, we should not only look to the tragedy and loss, but also to the immense courage, determination, and unity of our countrymen. The story of Flight 93 represents a true profile in courage.

A Story Of True Resilience

The 4th plane to be hijacked, by this point passengers knew of the other 3 and were not going to let themselves face the same fate. Even though they most likely knew they were going to die, they got together and stormed the cockpit and fought with everything they had to make sure no more innocent people were killed.

To prevent the passengers from completely gaining control, the cowardly hijackers crashed the plane in a field, killing everyone. US intelligence believes that the plane had been on its way to the Capitol building or the White House, and this heroic act by the passengers saved countless lives.

a large city landscape

The Calls

Another passenger, Mark Bingham, a fierce 6’5 athlete who had once foiled an armed robbery, was pivotal in the successful charge of the cockpit.

CeCe Lyles, a flight attendant, called her husband and prayed with him and then said, “A passenger says they’re crashing planes into the World Trade Center. We’re getting ready to do something. The passengers are pulling together.”

Another flight attendant, Sandy Bradshaw, called her husband and let him know that she and other crew members were fighting with everything they had, including throwing boiling water at the hijackers.

There are so many other resilient passengers and crew. I encourage you to read about them here. This story should remind us of the power of collective agency, the fact that ordinary people can do extraordinary things, and the importance of selflessness for the greater good!

The great men and women of Flight 93 shall never be forgotten!