Students at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way made this tribute to the victims of Flight 93 and are raising money for a monument (May 12, 2009)
FEDERAL WAY -
It's been more than seven years since United Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania and the family and friends of those who perished on board say a permanent memorial is long overdue.
They would like to build a National Monument on the crash site but must raise the $60 million dollars necessary. The first phase will cost $17 million, they've already got 15, but must come up with 2 million more, by the fall, to ensure that part is ready for dedication on the ten-year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The father of Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer talked with a group at the Federal Way High School named after his son. David Beamer encouraged everyone to continue fundraising efforts "my request and challenge is to make this little sacrifice to assure that those who made a big sacrifice are honored and remembered."
His son is remembered for the phrase "let's roll". A phone operator talking with Beamer shortly before the crash recalled hearing him say that as they prepared to go after the hijackers. The phrase has taken on a life of its own, symbolizing the courage and take-charge attitude of those on the flight. David Beamer tells Q13 Fox News "when you think about 'let's roll' make that your call to action to do the right thing, whatever the circumstance."
Students at the school named after Beamer are raising money for the memorial. So far, they've sold t-shirts and organized other fundraisers on campus. Many of the teens believe there is an important lesson for everyone in the tragedy of this crash. Sophomore Lauren Thomas said "they were just regular people who became heroes and I think it's a good message to everyone."
Jonathan Gillies raised the money and helped put a memorial in front of the high school but he believes more people need to hear the story. "It shows what ordinary people can do when they put their mind to it" Gillies said. A website has been set up with information about the memorial and how people can donate.
They would like to build a National Monument on the crash site but must raise the $60 million dollars necessary. The first phase will cost $17 million, they've already got 15, but must come up with 2 million more, by the fall, to ensure that part is ready for dedication on the ten-year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The father of Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer talked with a group at the Federal Way High School named after his son. David Beamer encouraged everyone to continue fundraising efforts "my request and challenge is to make this little sacrifice to assure that those who made a big sacrifice are honored and remembered."
His son is remembered for the phrase "let's roll". A phone operator talking with Beamer shortly before the crash recalled hearing him say that as they prepared to go after the hijackers. The phrase has taken on a life of its own, symbolizing the courage and take-charge attitude of those on the flight. David Beamer tells Q13 Fox News "when you think about 'let's roll' make that your call to action to do the right thing, whatever the circumstance."
Students at the school named after Beamer are raising money for the memorial. So far, they've sold t-shirts and organized other fundraisers on campus. Many of the teens believe there is an important lesson for everyone in the tragedy of this crash. Sophomore Lauren Thomas said "they were just regular people who became heroes and I think it's a good message to everyone."
Jonathan Gillies raised the money and helped put a memorial in front of the high school but he believes more people need to hear the story. "It shows what ordinary people can do when they put their mind to it" Gillies said. A website has been set up with information about the memorial and how people can donate.
