The heroes of Flight 93 won the first battle in the War on

In the chronicles of human history, there are moments so defining, so charged with courage and sacrifice, that they transcend time and become etched in the collective memory of a people. Jim Ramstad speaks to such a moment when he declares: “The heroes of Flight 93 won the first battle in the War on Terror, and they should never be forgotten.” These words, spoken with a deep reverence for the lives lost and the bravery displayed on that fateful day, honor the memory of the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001—those who, in the face of unspeakable terror, chose to act, not as victims, but as warriors, confronting the enemy head-on to protect countless others.

Flight 93, bound for San Francisco, was hijacked by terrorists as part of the 9/11 attacks, a day that would change the world forever. Unlike the passengers on the other planes, the brave souls aboard Flight 93 were able to learn of the fate of the other hijacked flights through phone calls to loved ones. With this knowledge, they made a sacred decision: to rise against the terrorists who sought to turn their plane into a weapon of mass destruction. The heroes of Flight 93, though outnumbered and ill-equipped, launched a counterattack, forcing the plane to crash in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, far from its intended target—believed to be either the White House or the U.S. Capitol. Their selfless actions saved countless lives and became a symbol of the resilience and valor that define the human spirit in the face of terror.

In the ancient world, there are stories of warriors and heroes who, upon learning of impending doom, chose not to cower in fear but to fight with every ounce of strength they had. Consider the legendary Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small group of warriors, outnumbered by the Persian army, chose to stand their ground and delay the enemy, allowing their people to prepare for the coming storm. Though they knew they would not survive, their actions altered the course of history, ensuring that the flame of freedom would continue to burn. Similarly, the heroes of Flight 93 stood against the oncoming storm of terrorism, knowing the odds were against them, but choosing to act nonetheless. They embodied the ancient virtues of sacrifice, bravery, and selflessness—virtues that remain timeless, even in the modern world.

The lesson we draw from the bravery of those passengers is one of action in the face of overwhelming fear. In the midst of terror, they chose to act, knowing that their lives might end, but that their actions would save others. In many ways, this is the essence of heroism—the willingness to risk everything for the greater good. The heroes of Flight 93 did not wait for others to act. They did not leave their fate to chance. Instead, they seized their moment, transforming from helpless passengers into warriors fighting for the future of their country, their loved ones, and their freedom. In this, they taught us that even in the darkest hours, we must rise, confront our fears, and act with courage.

Ramstad’s words remind us of the importance of remembrance. Just as the ancient Romans would honor their victorious generals with grand parades and monuments, so too must we honor the heroes of Flight 93. In remembering their sacrifice, we ensure that the flame of courage and freedom remains alive in our hearts. The heroes of Flight 93 gave their lives not in vain but as part of a larger struggle against tyranny and oppression. Their bravery was not a solitary act; it was a victory in the ongoing battle for freedom. It is our duty to pass on their story to future generations, that they may understand the sacrifices made to preserve the liberties they enjoy.

In the modern world, as we face new challenges—whether they come in the form of terrorism, violence, or division—the example of Flight 93 calls us to stand firm in the face of adversity. Courage is not just for the battlefield; it is required in every part of life, from standing up for what is right in our communities to confronting the fears that hold us back. The lesson of these heroes is clear: we must never wait for someone else to act; we must take responsibility, stand tall, and rise up when our freedom is threatened.

Finally, we must ask ourselves how we can carry forward the legacy of Flight 93. Heroism is not something confined to a single day or a single event—it is a way of life. In our personal lives, we must be willing to face our challenges with the same resolve, to put the needs of others before our own, and to act in the face of fear. The heroes of Flight 93 did not ask for recognition, but they deserve it. They chose to act for the good of all, to protect the future even at the cost of their own lives. Their story is not just one of tragedy but one of hope, a reminder that in the face of evil, there is still good in humanity. Let us carry this lesson forward, honoring their memory in every action we take, every decision we make, and every challenge we face.