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Betty Ong's Call: Heroism on Flight 11
9 Sep
Summary
- Betty Ong reported the hijacking of Flight 11 for 23 minutes.
- Her family found her remains six months after the attacks.
- The family honors her legacy by supporting youth programs.
Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, the family of Betty Ong continues to feel the impact of her heroism. Betty, a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, made a pivotal 23-minute call reporting the hijacking, providing vital details that helped authorities identify the perpetrators. She was the first to alert authorities to the unfolding crisis.
Her remains, a thigh bone found six months after the attacks, were cremated and interred in the family plot, offering solace to a family that had faced the uncertainty of many who never recovered loved ones. The Ong family actively maintains Betty's legacy.
They have adopted and renamed the Chinese Recreation Center in her honor, sponsoring youth programs and events. Furthermore, the Betty Ann Ong Foundation provides summer camps and free shoe programs for underserved youth, ensuring Betty's spirit of compassion and service endures.
