Throughout American history, otherwise ordinary people have displayed extraordinary courage when in life-threatening situations. The tragic events of September 11th offer a number of examples. The most publicized involves those aboard United flight 93 which crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. While huddled to the rear of the plane, several called loved ones; Todd Beamer spoke at length with an GTE-Verizon operator and, together, they recited the Lords Prayer. She then heard Beamer ask "Are you guys ready? Lets roll!" By then, Beamer and his fellow passengers knew the fate of the other three skyjacked planes and rushed the cockpit. The plane crashed. Everyone aboard died. What we have here is a combination of transcriptions of cell phone calls and the "black box" tapes, mini-biographies, obituaries, reminiscences by the victims relatives and friends, and Longmans own highly skillful analysis of what he learned during his extensive research. It is possible but unlikely that much more information about specific developments during the flight will be forthcoming. Lisa Beamer has already written one book and, over time, I think others among the victims relatives and friends will also share their own thoughts and feelings about the impact on them following the crash of United flight 93. A chronicle such as this helps to give "human faces" to the victims names. The same is true of a special section {"A Nation Challenged") which the New York Times published each day from September 15th until February 5th. A total of 1,800 "portraits of grief" were eventually featured. (This material is now available in a single volume, Portraits of 9/11/01: The Collected "Portraits of Grief" from the New York Times.) Obviously, heroism was demonstrated by so many people throughout and following the four skyjackings. The general public knows almost nothing about what happened aboard the first three flights and not much more about the fourth. For example, at what point did at least some of 93s passengers decide to rush the cockpit? Assuming Beamer was their leader, who else accompanied him? Then what happened? What aboiut the United flight crew? For me, such details are far less significant than the fact that people very much like those with whom I have traveled on numerous flights over the years became "citizen soldiers" and responded courageously to what must have been a terrifying crisis. Because of Longmans book and the "portraits of grief," it is possible to appreciate what Stephen Ambrose has characterized as "uncommon valor."
I was a reluctant to read this book, unitl I heard the author, Jere Longman, interviewed on CNN. He said he tried to focus more on the lives of the passengers of United Flight 93 - not as much on their deaths. So, I decided to give it a shot and ordered the book. Once I started reading, I literally could not put it down. It was wonderful to gain an understanding of who the people were that fate placed on that particular flight. I valued the authors effort to provide a glimpse into their lives through the lens of familiy members and friends. Although, it didnt feel like voyeurism at all. Instead, it felt like attending a memorial service - a celebration of life and of the American spirit. The personal memories were touching, but the book was balanced with factual information on the events leading up to the crash in Shanksville. It was difficult to read the specifics about phone calls that were made by the passengers and crew, their attempts to gather facts on the other hijacked planes, and the tender goodbyes to their loved ones. However, it is the type of book that helps you examine your priorities and reflect on relationships in your life.
This was truly one of the best books i have ever read, the author does a fantastic job of describing each and every passenger, most to the point where you feel a very strong connection to them. Very emotional, and definitly have to say if you could read this one without shedding any tears, your a stronger person than me.
