On the morning of July 4th, I put on my uniform and prepared to meet Dallas Domicile Executive Board Member, Gwen Dunivent in Grapevine, Texas for the Dedication of the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial. I remember thinking, "Why am I putting on make-up to stand in 100-plus degree heat and cry?" We stood with Southwest Flight Attendant Mary Ellen Matter and her sister, an American Airlines Flight Attendant, as Shirley Hall, Vice President of the Memorial Foundation (also an American Airlines Flight Attendant) explained the sculpture's symbolism. In part, she said:

“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 their honeymoon, the grandmother on her very first flight, the weary businessman and unfortunately now, she is the soldier off to war. The male Flight Attendant portrays the role best known by the general flying public, as 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 passengers from harm.”

The memorial also contains the names of the 33 Crew Members killed on American Airlines flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines flights 175 and 93, as well as a stone from the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, limestone from the Pentagon, and a rusted, twisted steel beam from the World Trade Center. It is an awe-inspiring sight that brings out so many emotions, and I believe every Flight Attendant would benefit from visiting it.

Not only are the sadness and loss over the tragic events of that day poignantly portrayed, but also the anger and resentment that we all have bottled up inside of us from the Flight Crews being left out when talk turns to Heroes. When no one seems to remember is that a Flight Attendant was the first casualty that a Flight Attendant was the first informer, and that Flight Attendants breathed their last breaths on that terrible day doing what we all do every day: looking out for the safety of others.


I was also very proud that Herb and Colleen were at the ceremony. They not only represented Southwest Airlines, but also represented how our Company differs from other Airlines. They stood with us, called us by name, spoke with us as friends, and grieved with us over the loss of our fellow Flight Attendants on that tragic day. That, my friends, is the Spirit, and the Legacy of Southwest Airlines.

The memorial stands at the intersection of State Highway 26 (Northwest Highway) and Texan Trail in the Grapevine Station Mall, Grapevine TX. For more information visit www.911flightcrewmemorial.org.

Jane Johnson
SWA F/A #10212