‘Let’s Roll’: The Heroic Story of Todd Beamer on 9/11
September 11, 2001, remains one of the darkest days in American history. Among the tragic events of that day, one story of extraordinary courage stands out—the heroism of Todd Beamer aboard United Airlines Flight 93. His brave actions and final words, “Let’s roll,” helped prevent further devastation and possibly saved countless lives. This is the story of Todd Beamer’s heroics, a legacy of bravery that continues to inspire people around the world.
Todd Beamer: A Life Before Heroism
Todd Beamer was born on November 24, 1968, in Flint, Michigan. A sports enthusiast from an early age, Todd dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. However, a car accident dashed those hopes and left him with injuries that ended his athletic career. Undeterred, Beamer shifted his focus to his education and professional career, eventually earning an MBA from DePaul University.
Beamer’s personal life blossomed when he met Lisa Brosious while attending Wheaton College. The couple married in 1994, and together they had two sons. By 2001, Todd Beamer had built a successful career working with Oracle Corporation in New Jersey, where he and Lisa had relocated. Little did anyone know that Todd’s life would take a turn that would forever change history.
The Fateful Flight: United Airlines Flight 93
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Todd Beamer boarded United Airlines Flight 93 for what seemed like a routine business trip to California. He had plans to return home later that day to be with his pregnant wife and two children. However, Flight 93 would not reach its destination.
At 8:42 AM, the plane took off from Newark International Airport, with 37 passengers and seven crew members aboard. The flight was delayed, but no one could have predicted the terror that would unfold. At 9:28 AM, four terrorists took control of the plane, armed with knives and box cutters.
Video : The Stories They Tell- Todd Beamer’s Watch
The Hijacking: A Moment of Terror
The hijackers’ plan was clear—to crash the plane into a high-profile target in Washington, D.C., most likely the U.S. Capitol Building. As the plane’s passengers became aware of the gravity of the situation, they used onboard phones to contact loved ones and emergency services. Todd Beamer, like many others, made a call to report the hijacking. He spoke with Lisa Jefferson, a GTE Airfone operator, who became a pivotal witness to the events that followed.
“Let’s Roll”: Todd Beamer’s Final Words
During his call with Jefferson, Todd Beamer learned about the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Realizing that their chances of survival were slim, Beamer, along with fellow passengers Mark Bingham, Jeremy Glick, Tom Burnett, and others, decided to fight back.
The moment that would define Todd Beamer’s legacy came when he said to Jefferson, “Are you ready? Okay, let’s roll.” These words, spoken with determination, signaled the beginning of the passenger revolt. They planned to storm the cockpit, using whatever they could to fight the hijackers. The courage of these passengers marked a pivotal moment in the fight against terrorism on that fateful day.
At 9:57 AM, the passengers launched their counterattack. Despite the hijackers’ attempts to thwart their efforts, the passengers’ resolve remained strong. As captured by the cockpit voice recorder, the hijackers began to panic as the passengers fought back with relentless courage.
The Crash: The Price of Heroism
By 10:03 AM, Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board, including the hijackers. The plane had been just 20 minutes away from Washington, D.C. at the time of the crash. It is believed that the actions of Todd Beamer and the other passengers prevented a much larger disaster, possibly saving the lives of countless individuals in the U.S. Capitol.
In a chilling moment, Vice President Dick Cheney later remarked, “I think an act of heroism just took place on that plane.” Beamer and the other passengers had succeeded in retaking the plane, ensuring that it would never reach its target.
The Legacy of Todd Beamer: A National Hero
Todd Beamer’s bravery did not go unnoticed. In the aftermath of the attacks, Beamer became a symbol of selflessness and courage. His famous words, “Let’s roll,” became a rallying cry for the nation, a phrase that encapsulated the American spirit of resilience in the face of terror.
In the years following 9/11, Todd Beamer was honored in various ways. His widow, Lisa, published a memoir titled Let’s Roll: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage, which recounted their life together and the heroism of that fateful flight. Todd’s legacy is also commemorated in many public spaces, including schools, post offices, and memorials. His actions on Flight 93 inspired a national movement, and the phrase “Let’s roll” remains a symbol of courage and patriotism.
Video : History Remembered- The 9/11 Memorial Museum: Todd Beamer’s Watch
Remembering Todd Beamer: The Man Behind the Heroic Act
Though Todd Beamer is no longer with us, his memory lives on. He was not just a hero because of his actions on September 11; he was a husband, a father, and a man who lived a life of purpose and dedication. His legacy reminds us that in times of crisis, ordinary individuals can rise to become extraordinary heroes.
In the years since 9/11, Todd Beamer’s story continues to inspire people around the world. From classrooms to boardrooms, his courage is a lesson that will never be forgotten. The words “Let’s roll” have come to symbolize the unbreakable spirit of those who refuse to let fear dictate their actions, no matter the cost.
Conclusion: A Hero’s Legacy That Endures
Todd Beamer’s story is one of remarkable bravery, selflessness, and love for his family and country. His heroic actions aboard United Airlines Flight 93 helped save countless lives and prevented a devastating attack on Washington, D.C. The legacy of Todd Beamer is one of courage in the face of terror, a reminder of the strength of the human spirit even in the darkest of times.
As we reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, Todd Beamer’s words, “Let’s roll,” continue to resonate with us, reminding us of the power of ordinary individuals to make extraordinary decisions. Todd Beamer’s sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his heroism will continue to inspire generations to come.