The city of Grapevine, TX will remember the 33 flight crew members lost
on September 11, 2001 in a moving dedication ceremony beginning at 10
a.m. today. The first significant national 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial
will be dedicated at 1000 Texan Trail by Mayor William D. Tate; Valerie
Thompson, an American Airlines Flight Attendant; members of the aviation
community and friends and families of those lost on 9/11.
This $1 million public monument and plaza stands one-and-one-half life
sizes and sits atop Texas limestone and is the vision of Valerie
Thompson, an American Airlines flight attendant and founder of the 9/11
Flight Crew Memorial Foundation. Over six years in the making, the
bronze statue stands 18 feet tall, 15 wide and 20 feet deep. The 9/11
Flight Crew Memorial is named “Valor
Commitment Dedication” -- after the three
characteristics exhibited by the flight crews who lost their lives on
9/11 and by those who continue to fly.
The Memorial was designed by Bryce Cameron Liston and was hand-crafted
by Valerie’s husband, Dean Thompson. The
statue has been developed around a stone column supporting a large
globe; the crew members are positioned back-to-back indicating their
spirit of teamwork. The Captain and female Flight Attendant are wearing
the American Airlines uniform of 2001 and the First Officer and male
Flight Attendant are wearing the United Airlines uniform of 2001.
Each figure on the Memorial has significant meaning that was
incorporated into the design to represent the events of 9/11, the
character of those lost, and the future of air travel.
Two Eagles: The two eagles in flight represent American and
United Airlines whose flight crews were lost.
Captain: Standing with one hand over the globe to indicate how
the airline industry covers the world and to exemplify that his
responsibility is the safety of travelers everywhere. The Captain’s
right hand is a symbol of his support for his fellow crewmembers.
First Officer: Seated next to the captain on the right with an
emergency manual, the co-pilot’s outreached
hand points to the western horizon, the final intended destination for
all four flights.
Female Flight Attendant: Standing in a protected position
indicative of her role as a safety professional. She portrays the added
responsibility of protecting her passengers and crew during and post
9/11.
Male Flight Attendant: Stands draping a blanket around the small
child. His duties show a commitment to passenger care and service.
Child: A representation of the traveling public.
For more information on the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial in Grapevine,
please contact the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau at
817-410-3185 or 800-457-6338 or visit http://www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/911flightcrewmemorial.
|