Interview by Ken Meade
It has been four years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and many are no doubt wondering, “How are David and Peggy Beamer doing?”
The Beamers” only son, Todd, was killed in the plane crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on that memorable date. His call to a telephone company supervisor from the plane before it crashed became a national headline. Beamer and several other passengers are credited with foiling the hijackers” plan to crash the plane into the White House or the Capitol. His last words, heard over the open telephone line, were, “Let”s roll!”
David and Peggy Beamer are members of the Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Rockville, Maryland. I have remained in close contact with them since their son”s death. Now, as we again look back to that terrible day, I asked them to share with you what”s been happening in their lives since then.
How do you feel about “Let”s Roll” being commercialized or trivialized on some occasions?
Beamers: “Let”s Roll” was a call to action to do the right and courageous thing in very difficult circumstances. We think the vast majority of times it is used as a call to take “the right action” or to remember the sacrifice that all those on Flight 93 made for our values and protection.
We”ve seen it on shirts, hats, and banners, heard it from our President George W. Bush, seen it as nose art on Air Force planes, on a missile being launched from Cape Canaveral where I (David) had my first job, and tattooed on the arms of some great friends. We focus on these positive recognitions.
What are your thoughts about the war on terror?
It must be fought and won. We must stay the course. The first counterattack was in the skies over Pennsylvania, and with sacrifice we were victorious. We grieve every time we hear about another citizen who dies in this battle. We pray for their families as we know too well how their lives are forever changed.
What about the memorials?
Plans are underway for a Shanksville memorial and we trust it will befit the sacrifice. The people of that small, quiet community have been more than gracious and accommodating in that their community was impacted that day and forevermore.
Todd in particular has been recognized in several places that we know of, all of which we appreciate:
“¢ A “Let”s Roll” stone added to a noteworthy rock garden at a school in Shanksville.
“¢ A plaque in the community park in Cranbury, New Jersey, where Todd and Lisa resided.
“¢ A plaque on the U.S. Post Office in Cranbury. This took an act of Congress (an appropriate one in our view).
“¢ Memorials in the gym and on the front lawn at Los Gatos High School where Todd spent his senior year.
“¢ A student housing residence named the Beamer Cottage at Emmanuel School of Religion.
“¢ The new Student Center at Wheaton College, where both Todd and Lisa graduated, is named The Todd Beamer Center, for which we will always thank the donors who made it possible.
“¢ A new high school in Federal Way, Washington, (about midway between Seattle and Tacoma), named Todd Beamer High School. This is special in that the community and the kids decided the name should reflect a contemporary who demonstrated courage. We believe they chose wisely. Peggy and I had the opportunity to address the first graduating class. This was a blessing, indeed.
These memorials can be used as witnessing opportunities to let people know about the importance of Jesus in the life of one Todd Beamer, and in theirs.
What are some of the lasting hurts?
After 9/11 our country was united in recognizing the forces of evil and their intent for our destruction. It is amazing how soon so many have forgotten. It really hurts when certain leaders, or those with a forum for publicity, demean the actions of our service men and women and our leadership. To focus on concern for the rights of our enemies at the expense of our defenders and leaders is deplorable.
How are you doing, personally?
We”re doing OK. Memories are precious””memories of Todd growing up, the ball games, school activities, family vacations, years at School of Ministry in Milligan College, Tennessee. All those are easy to talk about. However, remembering and talking about what happened on the airplanes is difficult. Time and knowing that Todd is safe and secure in Heaven has eased the pain. Isaiah 26:3 is very meaningful””God does keep us in perfect peace when our minds are steadfast on him.
We miss him every day. Certain things can trigger a wave of grief . . . little league fathers and sons headed to or from a game; “like Todd” mannerisms seen in his kids; Lisa (Todd”s wife) with a car problem; tears in Peggy”s eyes from time to time; and many other such circumstances. Our annual four-generation family get-together this summer will again be without a key man from generation number 3 to help his three kids advance in swimming and waterskiing. Thank God for his blessed assurance and that Todd had the name of Jesus on his life and lips.
We certainly don”t want to fixate on the scenes of the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania, but we as a nation do need to remember that our homeland was attacked four years ago, by an enemy bent on our destruction. This enemy will not stop until defeated.
Too soon we are forgetting our nation was attacked by those who hate us, our God, and our way of life. We need to defend and protect our country. We need to stay the course in this war against terrorism. We need to pray daily for our leaders.
How has your faith been tested since September 11?
Nothing could compare to that! We try always to remember God is in control and has a long-range plan that is best for his children.
What he has prepared for us and made possible because of the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus Christ, enabled us to survive September 11 and every day since.
We also know he will, one day, render the final judgment on the forces of evil.
Kenneth A. Meade, retired as senior minister with the Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Rockville, Maryalnd, remains on staff with the title Ambassador for Christ.
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