09/11/2022
It was Sept 11th 2001, I was a Captain on a Beechcraft 1900 based out of Pittsburgh, and just took off with a full load of 19 passengers on our way to Ogdensburg NY. Climbing through 3000 ft the controller says in a very stark voice, “All aircraft will be diverted to land as soon as possible due to a National emergency, respond only with an ident, and expect immediate vectors to return to the airport.” We had no idea what we would learn as thousands of aircraft Nationwide were vectored to land within 30 minutes, in the only full Nationwide grounding of all aircraft ever experienced.
Once back at PIT we all offloaded into the terminal, with both crew and passenger unaware of the unbelievable impact of that day, and watched the news in disbelief, in an eerily silenced packed terminal. Within a week, I would loose my job, as thousands of us airline pilots were placed on furlough, with our future uncertain.
Today, we remember our Nations first responders, and remain in awe of them, as we imagine them running towards those towers, and climbing those stairs, with their furture also uncertain. We praise their intent and determination to help those in need without any hesitation as to their mission, and without regard to their own personal safety. We remember those who lost loved ones, and watched as our entire nation mourned with them in solidarity. We were once again under attack, and our way of life threatened, as our enemies brought the fight to our land, and hit us here at home. We remember because of who we are as a people, and we do it to bring honor to those who gave their lives to help those they didn’t even know.
To our first responders, today is for you, not because of what was done to us, but rather because of who you are. We salute you, and appreciate your sacrifice, and dedication, to helping all of us when we need it most.
- Mark Hackett