A nation stands united
brought together by flight
in memory of September 11th
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A nation stands united |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flight Across America Takes Off in Everett, Washington EVERETT, Washington – August 11, 2002 – Flight Across America, a national effort to celebrate the freedom of flight in America and to honor those affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, kicked off today with ceremonies at Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Keynote speaker was Erik Lindbergh who recently completed a flight across the Atlantic to commemorate the efforts of his grandfather, Charles A. Lindbergh. Flight Across America’s Executive Director and Founder, Molly Peebles, took off after the ceremony with pilot Charles Oppermann on a four-week long, cross-country flight to New York City for a flag presentation ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid on September 8. As part of the Flight Across America, one pilot from each of the fifty states has been chosen to carry an official state flag to be presented to the City of New York as a show of national solidarity. One of the largest contingents of flag bearers is a group of nine volunteer pilots who are a part of Angel Flight America, a non-profit organization of private pilots and ground volunteers who flew over 100 missions during the September 11th rescue efforts. The national volunteer network flies children and adults in private planes for medical treatment need every day. “Having Angel Flight pilots who flew relief missions after 9/11 join us on Flight Across America is an honor for us. Their presence underscores how much we want to show our support for the country on this terrible anniversary,” said Molly Peebles. Following the terrorist attacks, commercial air traffic was grounded and airports were closed, but Angel Flight volunteers were allowed to fly. Angel Flight pilots flew firefighters, families of victims, Red Cross personnel, blood, medical and other supplies including the protective booties for the search and rescue dogs to New York and Washington, DC. The Angel Flight network counts over 4,500 pilot members and will fly over 10,000 missions this year, representing nearly 70% of charitable aviation flights in the United States. For more information on Angel Flight, visit http://www.angelflightamerica.org. To for more information, or to follow progress on the Flight Across America, visit the http://www.flightacrossamerica.com. #########
Angel Flight pilots participating in Flight Across America:
Contacts for Angel Flight America: Christel Gollnick Barbara Tollis Flight Across America |
Last Updated: 09/07/02. Copyright © 2002 Flight Across America |
