Front:
Wheely
REAL-LIFE AMERICAN HEROES
YORK
JUN 72
2002
10199
FIRST-CLASS
HEROES
2001
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE
VERTAILER
Back:
Heetwood
AVERAGE WOMAN
Despite the unprecedented magnitude of the horrific September 11
terrorist attacks on the United States, the terrifying events which trans-
pired failed utterly and completely to break the spectacular spirit of
the American people. One of America's most painful hours ultimately
became one of its finest as well, as ordinary citizens across the nation
performed countless spontaneous acts of heroism and kindness. Some
of the most dramatic acts were those of the incredibly brave passengers
and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, such as flight attendant Sandra
Bradshaw and passenger Elizabeth Wainio, who sacrificed their lives
to prevent their hijacked aircraft from being used as a weapon of mass
destruction. The heroic spirit of ordinary American women in 2001 is
also epitomized by the inspirational attitude and amazing resilience of
Lisa Beamer, mother of three and widow of Todd Beamer, one of the he-
roes of Flight 93 who led the struggle against its hijackers. Personally
recognized by President Bush during his historic address to Congress
following the September 11 attacks, Lisa Beamer inspired millions of
Americans with her unwavering courage and dauntless tenacity. Only
a few weeks after the terrorist attacks, Beamer defiantly completed the
same Newark-to-San-Francisco flight on which her husband had
tragically perished. "I want to show people it's safe to get back on an
airplane," Beamer explained before she embarked on her symbolic
journey. "We can't let ourselves be held captive by terrorism." Her
remarkably brave "flight against fear" encouraged people to fly again
and elevated the American spirit, serving as a strong public statement
of confidence to the nation and providing a powerful demonstration of
American perseverance to the entire world.
