Former 9/11 Government Leaders Join Call For Nominations For Flight 93 Heroes Award
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and First U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge Share Video Messages Inviting Stories of Heroism
SOMERSET, Pa., June 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial today announced that two central U.S. government leaders at the time of the 9/11 terror attacks have joined their effort to ensure the stories of selfless heroism and bravery of the Flight 93 passengers and crew members are not lost to history. Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Tom Ridge, first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, have joined the call for nominations for the inaugural Flight 93 Heroes Award.
"We are honored to have the support of two outstanding Americans who played a critical role in the aftermath of 9/11," said Donna Gibson, president, Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial. "Senator Daschle and Governor Ridge helped to unite all Americans in those difficult days. Like us, they know the importance of making certain the story of Flight 93 is remembered forever. And so, we thank them for their personal support of the Flight 93 Heroes Award. We also thank Governor Ridge for his years of service as honorary co-chair of the fundraising effort that led to the construction of Flight 93 National Memorial."
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Senator Daschle was working in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, one of four targets of terrorists who took control of four airplanes. Later that day, then-Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge would arrive at the crash site of Flight 93, a witness to the extraordinary heroism of the passengers and crew members who refused to allow the terrorists to reach the nation's capital by fighting back to regain control of the cockpit. Senator Daschle and Governor Ridge recounted that day in new 30-second videos that encourage nominations for the Flight 93 Heroes Award.
"On September 11th, 2001, I was among those working in the U.S. Capitol when terrorists hijacked four airplanes," Senator Daschle says in his video message here. "One of them, United Flight 93, was heading for the Capitol. The truly heroic actions of 40 passengers and crew members on board that plane saved countless lives. If you know a hometown hero who embodies that same selfless spirit, nominate them today for the Flight 93 Heroes Award."
Inspired by the approaching 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, and in memory of the heroism displayed by the passengers and crew members of Flight 93 in the skies over Shanksville, Pa., the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial is inviting nominations for the First Annual Flight 93 Heroes Award. This national award will be presented each year to individuals who have demonstrated remarkable acts of selfless courage in their community, anywhere in the United States. The award will be announced around September 11.
Gibson added that the award is important because more than 75 million people have been born since September 11, 2001 and have no memory of the incredible acts of heroism by the Flight 93 passengers and crew members.
"There are heroes everywhere. People who risk their safety and lives to help others, just like the passengers and crew on Flight 93," Governor Ridge recounts in his video message here. "I was at the crash site in Pennsylvania that tragic day. The hijacked plane was headed for the U.S. Capitol. Instead, it crashed in a field. Why? Because of the brave actions of those on board. Countless lives were saved as a result of their heroism. So, I invite you to nominate a hometown hero who embodies the same spirit and same courage."
Nominations are being accepted through July 4 by visiting www.Flight93Friends.org. Eligibility criteria and nominating rules are also available.
ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Established in 2009, the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial is the official nonprofit partner of Flight 93 National Memorial. The Friends focus on awareness, education, volunteer support, preservation and stewardship to ensure that Flight 93 National Memorial will remain accessible, relevant and inspirational to present and future generations. To learn more about the Friends, or make a donation to support the Friends, visit www.Flight93Friends.org.
SOURCE Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, Inc.
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