Washington, Sept. 11, 2002—As the one-year anniversary of last year’s national tragedy dawns, the Air Transport Association (ATA), the nation’s oldest and largest airline trade association, will pause to respectfully remember those whose innocent lives were lost in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Speaking on behalf of ATA, its member airlines and nearly 650,000 employees, President and CEO Carol Hallett stated, “Today, we honor the memory of those whose lives were lost last year. As we respect their sacrifice, our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and loved ones. Moving forward, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that air travel remains the world’s safest and most secure form of transportation.”

As Patriot Day is recognized across the nation, ATA employees will gather to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. EDT at the association’s Washington headquarters. Association employees are also being encouraged to attend midday memorial services being held throughout the national capital area.

ATA member airlines have also reported a variety of remembrance activities, including representation at memorial ceremonies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, distributing remembrance ribbons to employees, and providing pilots with special onboard announcements for Sept. 11, marking the significance of the day. Some airlines will also be providing complimentary air travel to the families of victims, so that they may attend memorials.

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