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By Valerie Thompson RESPECT is a word often used between flight attendants; we want it from each other and would like it from our passengers and management. Knowing we are professionals in a world of amazing pressure to do things right, we all feel the need for everyone to understand our side of the story. One of the biggest stories that seem to have been pushed aside is the heroism of the Flight Crews of 9/11. My name is Valerie Thompson a DFW F/A for 17 years. After 9/11 I was so incensed that no one wanted to speak of the heroism, commitment and valor of my coworkers and it seemed in the press and on the news, to mention everyone else involved, I then wanted to erect a public memorial in their names for all to see. My husband Dean Thompson and I have spent the last three plus years working toward building that long forgotten national memorial, by putting together the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial Foundation with fellow crewmembers and volunteers we have worked hard to raise money and awareness of what was so sorely missed. Many of you have helped the Foundation by buying our pins and hats or by going on the web site, purchasing other items and making cash donations (all tax deductible) and we thank you for that support. We are now $60,000.00 further towards our goal of $250,000.00. That money is to be spent building, erecting and placing a five figure bronze sculpture 1.5 life size in a public garden. With the efforts of the City of Grapevine, Texas and DFW Airport Authority our hopes are to place the memorial in the center greenbelt of International Blvd. outside of the north entrance tollgate to DFW Airport. We held a design competition earlier this year and from many submitted entries the design committee chose Bryce Cameron Liston, a sculptor from Salt Lake City, Utah for his wonderful expressive figurative design. I know from speaking with many of you this memorial would mean a lot in so many ways to honor our own and be proud of the extraordinary professionalism they showed the world that day. We remember, let everyone else understand they were also heroes. This tribute is solely to the Flight Crews for all they did and tried to do that helped on that day in history. We need everyone's help to bring this Memorial to life as soon as possible. It has been hard to get the word out across the system but now is the time to all pull together. You can contact us at: |