First Ladies Honor Flight 93

Michelle Obama and former first lady Laura Bush spoke in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at a memorial service for the men and women aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who rushed the cockpit and prevented a fourth attack on September 11, 2001. “On this day, Americans have no division,” Bush said as she honored the heroism of nine years ago. “In the face of terror, Americans chose to overcome evil.” The ceremony included a moment of silence for the 40 passengers and crew on the flight, and a reading of their names. Obama said their courage had inspired many to serve their country, whether in uniform or in bettering their communities. "I come here today not just as first lady, on behalf of my husband and a grateful nation,” Obama said. "I come as an American, filled with a sense of awe at the heroism of my fellow citizens… It was clear that these 40 individuals were no strangers to service and to sacrifice. The men and women on that plane had never met the people whose lives they would save, but they willingly made the sacrifice."