Like December 7 and November 22, for most Americans of a certain age, today’s date still sends a shiver down the spine and causes the breath to quicken. For those of us in the airline industry, our lives will never be the same, even eight years later. I don’t know about my Coworkers, but I replay those events in my mind even today. From the sheer horror of the day; to the incredible acts of courage that played out in smoke-filled stairways and crumbling buildings and in the cabin of an airliner over Pennsylvania whose passengers said “this stops here, no more”; to the unnatural quiet in our skies that followed, the images and memories remain fresh in my mind. I never thought silence could be so deafening until I “heard” what life without air travel sounds like. I also will never forget how my Coworkers came together in a unified purpose to get America back in the air and to bring the sound of Freedom back to the skies over our nation.
This year on the anniversary of 9/11, we want to honor both those who gave and lost so much on that bright, evil September morning, and those who give us so much every day. In order to salute the heroes of 9/11, including our friends at American and United, and to honor our soldiers, sailors, and airmen who continue to bravely and unhesitatingly march into harm’s way to keep us safe, we are encouraging all of our Employees to wear red or, for those who are required to wear a specific uniform like our Flight Crews, a patriotic item.
Comments
Dear Southwest Airlines,
My husband, teenagers and I are flying on S.W tomorrow morning to attend a wedding in another state. I am so nervous regarding flying, especially on Sept 11th. If anybody is on this blog now, please write me that everything will be o.k on both the flight as well at the return flight!
Thank so much,
Allie
The images of 9/11 will forever replay in my mind, along with the sickening feeling, as we saw the attack upon our Country in progress.
I fear that many have already forgotten what was done to our People and to our Country that day. We need to remember, and make sure that our Children know, that we must must remain vigilant. For the sake of the innocent who perished that day, we must never forget. God Bless America and God Bless Southwest Airlines!
Hi Allie,
I woouldn't hesitate to get on an airplane today, and I know you will be in great hands with our Pilots and Flight Attendants.
Brian
This is Southwest. We operated then as a family should, and we will continue doing so, in the Great Southwest Spirit. Fearing a situation is not a solution, doing something is. Fly today in confidence. This country was built so we would not have to live in fear. This company was built with LOVE. Your in good hands.
Allie,
You should have no worries, I can not tell you everything that has happened in the airline business since 9/11 to keep only the good guys on the airplane. Knowing somewhat of what the TSA has done and knowing just about everything airlines have done, you should breathe easy and enjoy your flight. -
Richard
Allie, I'm actually flying Southwest tonight. There's nothing to be worried about. Brian is correct in saying that we will be in the good hands of the crew. Give your fears to God and enjoy the flight!
Although I wasn't employed at SWA at the time, I remember our hometown pride in the once-small, start-up airline that showed us in Dallas and the rest of the country that they had truly grown up. The local display of patriotism, pride and unity of purpose that is collectively known as "The Southwest SPIRIT" was impossible to miss, and I'm sure was likewise repeated at Stations around the country.
The Employees of Southwest showed then that they could rise above adversity and competitiveness as they supported their own co-workers and simultaneously reached out to their fellow airline workers, most notably at the other airline headquartered in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. Walking through the halls of our Headquarters Building today, it is inspiring and encouraging to see the large number of people wearing red shirts, and I'm sure this gesture is being mirrored at 67 airports across this great nation.
We are proud to join all Americans today in remembering and honoring the victims and the events of 9/11, and in saluting all of the men and women of our military who are serving our country both here and abroad. The Warrior Spirit, the Servant's Hearts and the FUN-LUVing Attitudes of 35,000 Employees are strong at Southwest Airlines!
Kim
Allie...... I am a Southwest employee, my daughter is flying today. It's a day that we will never forget but we must not live in fear. No one can say that everything will be okay but we must continue with our lives and not let them have us live in constant fear. If I did not believe that everything would be fine I certainly would not have let my daughter board that airplane this morning.
Allie - I share some of your nervousness about commercial air travel, however, I will say that I have trusted my college age son's life to Southwest Airlines for about a year now as he travels back and forth between college and home. Southwest has proven itself to be a wonderful and safe airline during that time, and while, yes, I say a little prayer each time he's in flight, I know that he's in the best possible hands.
Let us celebrate the lives of all the people lost 8 yrs ago today. Remember all of the men, woman and children, from all of the nations of the world! Remember that since then; men and woman have died to protect our freedom. Remember what this great country was founded on! Remember that we are Americans and nothing will stand in our way!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!! and may those who have died, rest in peace, God bless.
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