Those not to be Forgotten

A memorial was dedicated on the day of Independence

in Grapevine Texas

to honor the men and women whose lives were lost

on 9/11, a day not to be forgotten.

A monument meant not only to honor who they were

but also to honor what they were as it says here.

A stone column rises to support a large globe,

as we all know the aviation industry spans the world.

The impressive eagles, a national symbol of freedom,

represent both airlines, American and United

that lost flights that morning.

“The captain stands at the highest point,

his copilot to his right,

as it is on the airplane.

The captain is charged with the responsibility

of protecting passengers, fellow crewmembers and the aircraft.

The first officer is alert, his safety manual in hand,

pointing to the western horizon,

the intended destination of all four flights.

Back-to-back placement of the flight attendants to the cockpit crew

shows the teamwork of all flight crews, especially now - post 9/11.

The young girl with her teddy bear represents the traveling public.

She is the family on their big vacation,

the newlyweds on honeymoon,

the grandmother on her very first flight,

the weary businessman

and unfortunately now …

she is the soldier off to war.

“The role best known by the general flying public

is portrayed by the male flight attendant.

He drapes a blanket around the small child.

His duties show a commitment to passenger care and service.

Indicative of her role as a safety professional,

the female flight attendant stands in the protected position:

her hand held in the International sign for “stop”,
shielding her passenger from harm.”