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A lready planning to attend the Memorial Services and pay my respects on September 11,
2002.
I was called on to Instruct an AMERICAN IN DEFENSE
class in New York At JFK. At
that four day training session to the Pilots and Flight Attendants I had met
several of the employees of American Airlines that were planning to attend the
Flight 93 Memorial also to show their respects and support.
Upon speaking with the Pilots and Flight Attendants's, I mentioned that was very near to me and
my involvement with the State of Pennsylvania Law Enforcement, we had all agreed
to meet in Shanksville that early September 11, 2002 Morning.
As I stood on the top of the hill peering solemnly into the fenced in valley
crash site, I looked over my shoulder and began to see a very long tail of 20 or
more Coach and School Busses bringing in many persons that also shared our loss
that fateful day. All actually had parked their automobiles and after an intense
security screening, get on one of the 40 Busses at the local Busch Series
Raceway then travel approximately 11 miles to the memorial site.
At that Raceway, in a Field was a US Flag that must have been 100 yards wide x 150
yards long laid out at a tribute to ALL AMERICANS... Just one of many
moving displays of True Spirit and Grief of Loss that day for those lost. My
Father, Gene L. Gates was one of those Proud Americans that felt the need to
come and show support, pay his respects and yet Display the Courage that We will
NOT Hide from Terrorists or their lowly kind, STANDING PROUD OFFERING TO HELP IN
ALL WAYS TO THOSE PERSONS COMING THAT DAY, weather it be a tissue, shoulder to
cry on or just to be one to speak with while guiding people to the perspective
areas of the Memorials.
I
had so many persons speaking with me on the AID Program as well as interviews
and Photos taken as I was wearing my AID Shirt / Hat
All Very Positive and so much appreciation WBB / AID has taken thus far.
Memorials to Flight 93:
· Top of the Hill, above the actual site was the area of the * Wall fence that
persons brought items to and placed them on that and also at the foot of it, was
approximately 14 ft High and 50 yards long, Just filled with Items, Patches, Hats, written
notes etc.
· To the right of the Hill was where the Media set up and did all interviews /
coverage
· Directly beside the Fenced in Crash site (Guarded heavily with Mounted PA
State Troopers)
Was the area that was built specifically for the memorial service with a metal
roofed pavilion.
This was approximately 500 yards away form the site.
· At the Site was another area of Mourning where President Bush, Tom Ridge,
Homeland security Chief and a few other dignitaries along with the Immediate
Families held a special service at that Location Later that day (after ALL
public persons cleared the other memorial sites)
· The Security level way Guarded / High with only pre cleared individuals,
Families, Dignitaries, Select Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement, CIA < FBI
and Presidential Detail
· Constant surveillance Fighter Jets, with prepared helicopters
hovering in site.
I was at the Upper memorial site of where the *Wall, Two Marble memorials, the
much photographed * angels hat were hand made by an American and placed there
overlooking the crash site.
Large American Flag waving as the Sun rise and flowed with warmth all over that
Valley…As it was bitter cold, the wind just whipped through us all and at times a small
faint shower of rain, like tears from heaven above. Joining all of our tears
shed that day.
While at the lower area in front of the pavilion, watching the large groups of
American arrive on the busses and flow, filling that area with spirit and
emotions, I saw the American Airlines Crew coming toward me as they departed
from the busses. What a moving site per see those all from the Industry take
time and support those families that lost that fateful day one year ago.
We met embraced and walked to the areas. While guiding them and making sure they
weren't harassed by the Media (They informed me that they were not permitted to
give statements / interviews) I helped them through the crowds to the memorial
as well as in the Family area of the Pavilion for the memorial speeches and
services.
While sitting there listening, the Band Played, The rifle shots rang out!
The Bells rang, one for each Lost, and then the Doves were let to Fly free. Moving me and others Greatly as The names was beginning to read they flew over
us all and directly around the Crash site for minutes prior to flying away.
What a site!!!!
Hearing the daughter speak, then the wife of the martial Artists / passenger
that gave the command, LET'S ROLL! Was very fitting and made all the
persons there bond even more as we all listened and hung on every word that was
spoken by Tom Ridge, Lt Gov Arlen Specter and Senators as well.
At the ending of the speeches, I personally went up and brought Arlen Specter to
the American Airlines Crew, introduced them.
I then went to Homeland security director and spoke with him about the Program
and the AA Crew coming that day, His Detail had mentioned several times that he
needed to go to Meet with The President and ready for that aspect of the
memorial services BUT he told them to wait as he was interested in hearing about
the program, I introduced him to the FA's and took some Photos
He had questioned several of them about the program and the performance that I
did instructing them in the Defense Classes. Well they all just raved and spoke
so positive of the AID Program and myself. He shook my hand several times and
Thanked me for making a difference and doing such a fine job and to forward that
message to Bob Wall, Chuck Norris and the staff of AID / WBB.
Very sincerely we all spoke with Tom Ridge for over 25 minutes.
I then helped all the FA/s AA Crew get on their correct Bus without incident.
It was a very special day with so much emotion running through that Valley.
Every time I visit or even speak of that day, I'm overcome……………..
Brian L. Gates, Proud American
World Black Belt member
America In Defense Certified Instructor # 46 In the Nation and First in
Pennsylvania to be certified as a Travel Marshal and AID Instructor
If you would like to contact Brian Gates you can do so at
briangates@worldblackbelt.com
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