This week we are delighted to highlight a true American hero – whose selfless spirit and courage – was a driving force in helping to unite the country in the aftermath of 9/11.
In just a few short weeks, on Sunday, November 24th, let’s take a moment to remember Todd Beamer on what would have been his 56th birthday. You may not know his name, considering he passed away 23 years ago, but I want to make sure he is not soon forgotten.
Raised with his two sisters in a house "with a strong biblical value system and work ethic," Todd was an account manager for a computer company, following in his father’s footsteps. On the fateful morning of September 11, 2001, he was aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which had been hijacked by terrorists. Flight Attendant Sandra Bradshaw, on the phone with her husband, said, "Everyone is running up to first class. I've got to go. Bye." Beamer told GTE phone operator Lisa Jefferson that he and a few passengers were planning to "jump" the hijacker with the bomb. He then recited the Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm with Jefferson, prompting others to join in. Beamer requested of Jefferson, "If I don't make it, please call my family and let them know how much I love them." After this, Jefferson heard muffled voices and Beamer answering, "Are you ready? Okay. Let's roll." These were Beamer's last words to Jefferson.
The group of passengers overtook the terrorists, preventing them from reaching their target, the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. All passengers perished in the crash in Pennsylvania. Inspired by Beamer, Neil Young later released a song called "Let’s Roll." There were three other songs inspired by the event, and President George W. Bush used the phrase “Let’s roll” several times in speeches. Though Beamer’s words and heroism have been widely shared, not everyone knows who Todd Beamer was, or how pivotal he was, not just on that plane, but in the bigger picture.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, in which 2,977 victims immediately lost their lives, the world was stunned. The attacks were widely condemned by world governments, even those traditionally considered hostile to the United States, such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, Libya, North Korea, and Afghanistan. The image of heroism—led by Todd—of a group coming together in a common cause was like a rock hitting a pond, creating a ripple effect that spread across the world. There were tributes and acknowledgments throughout Europe, Africa, China, India…every corner of the globe knew what had happened, and the internet was still in its infancy. In Berlin, 200,000 Germans marched in solidarity with America. Three days after the attacks, the crew of the German destroyer Lütjens manned the rails as they approached the American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill, displaying an American flag and a banner reading "We Stand By You."
For a period of time, differences of race, gender, age, nationality, and religion were forgotten by most. We were all simply human—except, of course, for the terrorists. Today, in the United States, we find ourselves in a very different place. Divisions exist around race, gender, age, nationality, religion, and especially politics.
We can come together for the common cause of freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can find ways to work toward common ground and shared causes. We can find our way back from divided states to the United States. And we can be inspired by the leadership and courage of Todd Beamer - Let’s roll!
