Union Honors Flight Attendant Heroes And First Responders

We all know that airplanes were the weapon that was used in the September 11th attacks on the United States, and that the aircrews suffered the same fate as everyone on those four aircraft. Following the announcement Sunday of the death of Osama bin Laden, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), representing Flight Attendants at United Airlines and 20 other carriers, issued the following statement in unity from the union's International Officers President Veda Shook (pictured), Vice President Sara Nelson and Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Creighan.

"Ten years after September 11th emotions still run deep. We are grateful to our President and all of the women and men who are responsible for bringing this sense of justice for our friends and heroes who were the first to give their lives in defense of our country that day.

"September 11th showcased the tremendous bravery of Flight Attendants. Our heroes on those four fateful flights acted as first responders. They relayed the first intelligence of the day that served to alert our country and our fellow crewmembers on flight 93 who in turn acted without reservation against evil, sacrificing their own lives to protect our country and lives of countless others.

"The incredible pain of mourning for our dear friends also inspired new actions of heroism as our profession changed forever. In our Flight Attendant union we found comfort in one another and the courage to get back on airplanes to usher passengers and fellow crewmembers home to their loved ones.

"Every day since September 11th, Flight Attendants go to work with an even greater sense of responsibility. We know that not only are we first responders to emergencies affecting the health and safety of our passengers and other crewmembers, we are also our nation's last line of defense in aviation security.

"We have escorted hundreds of thousands of American soldiers on their way to fight for our country – and it is painful to know that we have not been able to bring all of them home again. Those who have returned home with us from war are our most precious passengers and we owe them and their families our undying support and love.

"The hateful coward is dead. It is not his death that we celebrate; it is our unity, our compassion for one another and our resolve to protect all of the freedoms of individual expression that make us strong. We will never forget our heroes and we will always seek to honor their sacrifice with our actions – not only through our work for safer skies, but in the way we contribute to each of our communities at home and those that we visit around the world.

"Twenty-five Flight Attendants died on September 11th. Today, and every day, we honor their memory."

FMI: www.afacwa.org