Betty Ann Ong, a native of San Francisco, was a 14-year veteran of American Airlines and served as head flight attendant. The morning of Sept. 11, Ong responded with courage and professionalism. Shortly after hijackers overtook the plane, she placed a call to the American Airlines reservation desk and reported, “The cockpit is not answering. Somebody's stabbed in business class, and, um, I think there's Mace and we can't breathe. I don't know, I think we are getting hijacked.” Ong remained on the phone for 23 minutes, communicating the critical information her fellow flight attendants relayed to her until the plane crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. Her calm, detailed report provided vital information that helped authorities understand the unfolding attacks, leading to the unprecedented closure of U.S. airspace. Ong was 45 years old. This Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month, we remember her professionalism, composure, and bravery. #ClaimsKrewe #AsianAmericanAndPacificIslanderHistoryMonth
When you hear the recording of the conversation between Betty and the person on the other end of the line, the last thing you here from Betty is "Pray for us". Then the ground staff member said "Betty, Betty" but no response. The plane had just hit the tower. It is as heartbreaking as it can get. Betty showed what she was made of by doing everything she could to inform others of what was happening, placing her at risk. Betty is absolutely a hero.
Betty Ann Ong's story should be a lesson for all of us that no matter what our chosen profession, the day may come when supreme courage is required. Having heard recordings of Betty's final call on September 11, I can only hope that I have the discipline and maturity to rise to the occasion if and when that moment comes. Betty Ann Ong is a true hero.
An American hero!
Inspirational. She did what she was trained to do and more…. Remain calm and provide key information while leading the rest of the crew…. A true professional! There are thousands more like her that ensure our safety everyday.
The contribution of this intrepid woman is part of the history of that day that we don’t usually hear about. Thank you for telling her story.
So many quiet heroes of that day! Thank you @Lance Harwell for sharing.
Inspiring post, Lance Harwell. Thank you.
She gave her last thoughts and words to help others. Beautiful and tragic all at once. 25 years this September. May her memory be eternal.
Thank you so much for all you did. Rest in peace
What a Hero. Staying cool and keeping HQ apprised during what had to be 23 terrifying minutes is incredible. So many Hero's from the September 11th event. But it's maddening beyond comprehension to me how quickly this horrific date and incident has been forgotten, dismissed or ignored in American history. Instead of another absurd date to recognize some special interest group, a separate holiday that honors and remembers both Pearl Harbor and September 11th is more than appropriate. It's deserved and should be expected by every American. I know it's fashionable to try and minimize the past, at least some specific events. These two should never be forgotten lest they be repeated. Never Forget