On September 11, 2001, Donald Greene was among the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93, one of four planes hijacked in coordinated terrorist attacks that morning. Greene’s flight never reached its intended target in Washington, D.C. Instead, alerted to the hijacking, the passengers and crew mounted a courageous counterattack, ultimately causing the plane to crash into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Their actions prevented further loss of life and greater destruction.
Greene’s daughter was 10 years old when the attacks took place. She recalls learning of the tragedy quietly at a pediatrician’s office, while she was out of school for a minor injury. The family had spent Labor Day weekend together just days prior, unaware of the impending devastation. Though her father traveled frequently for work, Greene’s final goodbye carried a significance that only grew with time.
In the immediate aftermath, Greene’s family visited the crash site, which at the time was a scorched area marked by debris and wreckage. Over the years, nature reclaimed the land, and it has since been transformed into the Flight 93 National Memorial. The monument now stands as a tribute to the 40 passengers and crew who displayed extraordinary bravery. Greene’s sister, Jody, has engaged closely with the memorial’s stewardship, joining the board of Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.
The tragedy was not only a deeply personal loss for Greene’s family but also a moment of collective mourning and solidarity across the United States. The day’s events introduced phrases such as “Never Forget” and “Let’s Roll” into the national consciousness—symbols of remembrance and resilience inspired by the passengers’ heroic response. Greene recalls the spontaneous candlelight vigil that emerged outside her family’s home, reflecting a nationwide outpouring of neighborly empathy and unity that transcended political and social divisions.
As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks, Greene reflects on the lasting impact of that morning—not only in memorials and ceremonies but in the ongoing challenge of fostering unity amid division. She cites advice offered by then-Vice President Joe Biden on the 10th anniversary of the attacks, which emphasized the gradual transition from grief to gratitude. Now a parent herself, Greene draws strength from the legacy of her father and the spirit of collective action shown that day.
She emphasizes that honoring the memory of those lost requires more than annual remembrance; it calls for a renewed commitment to everyday citizenship—building connections across differences and choosing unity over division. The courage demonstrated by Flight 93’s passengers is a lasting lesson on how to respond in times of crisis, and Greene urges that their example inspire efforts to strengthen communal bonds in the years ahead.