July 4th Ceremony Remembers 9/11 Flight Crews

The city of Grapevine, TX remembered the 33 flight crew members lost on September 11, 2001 in a moving dedication ceremony Friday morning. The first significant national 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial was dedicated at 1000 Texan Trail by Mayor William D. Tate; Valerie Thompson, an American Airlines Flight Attendant; members of the aviation community and friends and families of those lost on 9/11.

The $1 million public monument and plaza stands one-and-one-half life sizes and sits atop Texas limestone and was the vision of Valerie Thompson, an American Airlines flight attendant and founder of the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial Foundation. Over six years in the making, the bronze statue stands 18 feet tall, 15 wide and 20 feet deep.

The 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial is named "Valor Commitment Dedication" -- after the three characteristics exhibited by the flight crews who lost their lives on 9/11, and by those who continue to fly. The suburb of Dallas and Fort Worth lies immediately north of DFW International Airport, home base for American Airlines crewmembers lost in the attack.

The Memorial was designed by Bryce Cameron Liston and was hand-crafted by Valerie’s husband, Dean Thompson. The statue has been developed around a stone column supporting a large globe; the crew members are positioned back-to-back indicating their spirit of teamwork. The Captain and female Flight Attendant are wearing the American Airlines uniform of 2001 and the First Officer and male Flight Attendant are wearing the United Airlines uniform of 2001.

Each figure on the Memorial has significant meaning that was incorporated into the design to represent the events of 9/11, the character of those lost, and the future of air travel.

• Two Eagles: The two eagles in flight represent American and United Airlines whose flight crews were lost.
• Captain: Standing with one hand over the globe to indicate how the airline industry covers the world and to exemplify that his responsibility is the safety of travelers everywhere. The Captain’s right hand is a symbol of his support for his fellow crewmembers.
• First Officer: Seated next to the captain on the right with an emergency manual, the co-pilot’s outreached hand points to the western horizon, the final intended destination for all four flights.
• Female Flight Attendant: Standing in a protected position indicative of her role as a safety professional. She portrays the added responsibility of protecting her passengers and crew during and post 9/11.
• Male Flight Attendant: Stands draping a blanket around the small child. His duties show a commitment to passenger care and service.
• Child: A representation of the traveling public.

FMI: www.grapevinetexasusa.com/911flightcrewmemorial