EAST LANSING, Aug. 30, 2024 - Even today, after more than 2 decades, most Americans know the name Todd Beamer. On September 11, 2001, Todd famously said "Let's roll" when he and a handful of other passengers took on the terrorists who had taken control of United Flight 93 that day. Setting aside fears for their personal safety and knowing their likely fate, these everyday Americans forced the flight crashed over a Pennsylvania field. In doing so, they prevented the flight from striking its target in Washington, D.C., and adding further to the day's horror and carnage. As we grieve the loss of their lives and so many others, we honor Beamer and his fellow passengers today for their act of heroism.
Many are not aware that Beamer was a Flint native. Michigan Remembers solemnly acknowledges the Michigan roots of this man who gave everything to protect his country, and honors each of the 42 Michigan victims of 9/11 who perished in the 9/11 attacks. Their profiles can be found here. We hope you, too, will take a moment to reflect on their lives and their terrible sacrifice as we mark another anniversary.
"It is our mission to recognize all of the people from Michigan who lost their lives on September 11, 2001,'' said Patrick L. Anderson, a founder of the Michigan Remembers 9/11 Fund and a survivor of the attacks in Manhattan. "We preserve this history to ensure their names and their stories are not forgotten, determined that their memory will not fade into the background of history."
Anderson is known as the principal and CEO of the Anderson Economic Group in East Lansing, but he was also staying in the World Trade Center Marriott for a conference that day. This year, he will speak briefly about the death, destruction, and selflessness of so many heroes that day when he joins the Detroit area organizers of the national 911 Day organization for a day of service and remembrance at the Wayne State University Fieldhouse, September 11, 2024, at 9:00am. Previous years' comments can also be seen at:
@detroit_news Patrick Anderson, 9/11 survivor, speaks in Plymouth, MI about his experience 20 years ago in New York #911 #fyp #twintowers911 ♬ original sound - The Detroit News
The Michigan Remembers 9/11 Fund is a 501c3 charity and its efforts are entirely supported by private donations. The Fund has previously sponsored "Run to Remember" events, high school essay contests, and travel for Michigan's first responders to the World Trade Center for 9/11 events.
