Grapevine to Dedicate National 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial on July 4

Grapevine, TX (June 9, 2008) – The events on September 11, 2001, are among the most significant and the most tragic in the modern history of the United States. The first significant national 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial will be dedicated in Grapevine, Texas on Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. at 1000 Texan Trail (corner of Texan Trail and Northwest Highway).

This $1 million public monument and plaza is one-and-one-half life sizes and sits atop Texas limestone. It is 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 these flight crews who lost their lives on 9/11 and by those who continue to fly.

The figures on the monument pay tribute to all flight crews -- representing the valor, dedication, and awe-inspiring commitment that flight crews exhibit.

These individuals place their lives on the line every flight and are never sure when they may be transformed from everyday citizens to heroes, catapulted into the pages of history. This memorial is important to the history of aviation; it remembers the lost and honors those who continue the quest for excellence in the skies each day.

The monumental Memorial has been developed around a stone column supporting a large globe; the crewmembers 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 is one-and-one-half life sizes and 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.

Family of the 33 flight crewmembers will be present at the dedication, along with aviation representatives from around the country. This solemn ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. with a flyover followed by a very dignified ceremony that will honor their sacrifice. This momentous project is six years into the making with a vision from Valerie Thompson, an American Airlines Flight Attendant, and her husband Dean. They will share their story at the dedication.