Over two decades ago, a single event changed the course of history and left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the world. On the morning of September 11, 2001, a coordinated act of terror unfolded that altered the way we perceive the world around us. Nearly 3,000 lives were tragically lost, and thousands more were injured in what became the deadliest terrorist attack in modern history. The scale of destruction was unimaginable, as the world watched in disbelief and horror as airplanes were hijacked and used as weapons to cause massive devastation.

The terror began early in the morning when hijackers took control of four commercial airliners. Two of these planes were crashed into the iconic Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to their eventual collapse. A third plane targeted the Pentagon, the heart of the U.S. military, while the fourth flight, United Flight 93, was headed for Washington, D.C. But the passengers aboard Flight 93 did something that would forever change the course of events.

As the hijackers seized control of the plane, the passengers became aware of the grave situation they were in. Among them was Tom Burnett, a man who would later be hailed as a hero for his extraordinary actions in the face of certain death. Burnett, who was traveling with his wife Deena, had the presence of mind to call her as the hijacking was unfolding. In what would become his final conversation, he made it clear that he understood the severity of the situation, expressing his intent to take action against the hijackers.

Burnett’s words, “I’m on an airplane that’s been hijacked. I’m putting a plan together. Tell the kids I’ll talk to them later,” were the last words he spoke to his wife. He was fully aware that the hijackers intended to use the plane as a weapon, and he wasn’t going to let that happen without a fight. As he spoke to Deena, he revealed that the hijackers had already killed a passenger and claimed to have a bomb. Despite the immense danger, Burnett remained focused on stopping the attackers.

In the midst of the chaos, Burnett encouraged his wife to contact authorities, urging her to call 911 and alert them to the situation. As she did so, Burnett continued to gather his fellow passengers, including Mark Bingham, Todd Beamer, and Jeremy Glick, to formulate a plan of action. Their shared goal was to prevent the hijackers from reaching their intended target, which was believed to be either the U.S. Capitol or the White House. They knew that they had to act quickly, even if it meant sacrificing their own lives.

In a second phone call to his wife, Burnett revealed more about the hijackers’ intentions. “They’re talking about crashing this plane… It’s a suicide mission,” he said, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him. He assured Deena that they were taking action and that a group of passengers was working together to thwart the hijackers’ plan. Despite the terrifying circumstances, Burnett remained composed, focusing on the task at hand.

In his third call, Burnett’s resolve only grew stronger. “We have to do something,” he told Deena. “I’m putting a plan together.” The situation was dire, but Burnett refused to wait for authorities to arrive. He knew that their survival depended on their ability to act immediately. “Don’t worry, I’ll call you back,” he reassured his wife, before hanging up to continue coordinating with the other passengers.

As the passengers made their move, Burnett’s leadership and bravery were instrumental in the efforts to overtake the hijackers. They fought back with everything they had, using whatever tools they could find on board. In a final call to his wife, Burnett confirmed their plan and told her, “Don’t worry, we’re going to do something.” His words were filled with determination, even as he knew the odds were against them.

In a final, desperate act, Burnett and the other passengers rushed the cockpit, confronting the hijackers. The flight’s cockpit voice recorder later captured Burnett’s voice, shouting, “Roll it!”—likely an attempt to use the plane’s food cart to block the cockpit door. But before they could regain control of the plane, the hijackers intentionally crashed it into a field in Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board. While the passengers lost their lives, their actions saved countless others, as they prevented the plane from reaching its intended target, likely the U.S. Capitol.

The heroism displayed on United Flight 93 became a symbol of courage and selflessness. In the years that followed, Burnett’s family established a foundation in his honor. The Tom Burnett Family Foundation was created with the mission of helping young people become good citizens and future leaders. Burnett’s legacy lives on through this foundation, as well as through the countless stories of heroism that emerged from the tragedy of that day.

None of us can fully comprehend the depth of courage required to confront such fear and uncertainty. When faced with the knowledge that their lives were on the line, Burnett and his fellow passengers made a conscious choice to fight back, even though they knew the odds were slim. Their bravery serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of collective action in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The actions of Burnett and the others aboard Flight 93 demonstrate that, in the most horrific of circumstances, ordinary individuals can rise to the occasion and make extraordinary sacrifices for the greater good. Their story will never be forgotten, as it reminds us of the potential for heroism in even the darkest of times. In a world where fear and hatred sought to divide, Burnett and his fellow passengers showed us the power of unity, courage, and the unbreakable will to protect others, no matter the cost.