A Tribute to The Forty of 93

Posted at the United Flight 93 memorial, Shanksville, PA, November 20, 2001

(This was written 6 days after 9-11, long before the bravery and sacrifice of the United Flight 93 passengers and crew was widely acknowledged. "We're gonna do something." "Let's Roll!")

Every time I hear how some “tried”

to overpower the hijackers on United Flight 93,

I want to scream, “They didn’t just ‘try’! They succeeded!”

A Tribute to The Forty of 93

Rich Clingman, September 17, 2001

It's reported that they "tried" to overpower the hijackers.

It's said they "tried" to prevent a tragedy.

It's phrased as if these American Heroes failed in their objective.

It's worded such that it lessens their sacrifice.

The reports are constantly about the Towers and the Pentagon,

Of three planes filled with innocent victims,

Of 5,000 lives lost in New York and DC.

And occasionally, there's a mention of Pennsylvania,

And how some "tried".

"Tried," as if they failed.

Whether United Flight 93 was targeting the White House

or Air Force One--expected to land at Andrews--,

the evil that was planned was thwarted by brave men and women

who gave all that others might live.

The lives of The Forty of 93 were no more valuable than the 5,000;

Neither were they less.

I hold no doubt that those on the other planes

would have sacrificed themselves as well,

had they known the plan of evil.

The Forty were allowed a special insight.

And The Forty acted.

And The Forty saved America from even greater sorrow, greater evil.

Their loss may seem insignificant.

They died in an empty field.

They were less than one-percent of the lives taken on the 11th.

But let us never forget or diminish these heroes, The Forty of 93.

Over rural Pennsylvania,

Heading for our nation’s capitol,

They "tried".

They succeeded!

They died that others might live!

May God bless the families of

The Forty of 93!

Meet some of these heroes, The Forty of 93…

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2001/09/11/victims-capsules.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/WTC_victims_united93.html

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2001/09/17/flight193.htm

This article is from Living For Today, Preparing For Tomorrow. From Parents. To Parents. A Parent's Guide to Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

This book is dedicated to the parents and guardians who battle against their worries, who must prepare for tomorrow and yet grab hold of today, striving to make today the best day for their children and family.

"Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." MATTHEW 6:34 NIV

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