September 11: ten years later

This year, we pause to remember those we lost 10 years ago during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We also celebrate strength and determination that has pushed us forward in the face of adversity.


Combat pilot ready to give her life on 9/11

On 9/11 Lt. Heather “Lucky” Penney had her orders: Bring down United Airlines Flight 93.

The hijacked plane seemed destined for a location in Washington, and Penney, being one of the first combat pilots in the air that day, was ordered to stop it. Penney took off without ammunition or missiles; nothing to shoot with. All she had was her aircraft. And that's what she intended to use as her weapon.

"We wouldn't be shooting it down, We'd be ramming the aircraft," Penney told the Washington Post. "I would essentially be a kamikaze pilot."

For years after 9/11, Penney never shared her story with interviewers, but for the 10th anniversary, finally shared her experience that day: how the first retaliatory gesture from the United States would be a suicide mission.

The Washington Post has her story.


Tags :  
Locations : Washington
People : Heather




 
09/11/2011 2:29PM
Fighter pilots ready to give their lives on 9/11
Please Enter Your Comments Below
Title:
Comment: