Sat, 3 Nov 2001

An Honor Bestowed on Crews of Flt. 11, 77, 175 and 93

The Flag was not in NY today, but something very special happened that involved every person contributing to this event.

As part of the New York City Marathon this year, an organization known as the New York City Marathon Tribute committee officially dedicated a statue erected in Central Park. The statue, which I sin honor of NYC Marathon Founder Fred Lebow, is the first statue to go up in Central Park in over 60 years. Lebow, who died in 1994 after a battle with cancer, was remembered for his ability to unite nations through running. He was also remembered as a man who, through his character, was the definition of perseverance and loyalty to his fellow man.

Mr. Dan Mitrovich, the chairman of the committee, is a man who, after great victories and multiple setbacks stretching over 11 years, doggedly pursued this tribute to Lebow. Dan, a San Diego businessman and avid runner, found the artist, money and connections and worked tirelessly (with help from friends in various levels of public and private entities) to finally secure funding and the permits to place "Fred" in the park. Along the way, Dan was aided by J. Oliver Crom of Dale Carnegie and Associates; superstar runners Grete Waitz, Bill Rogers, Carl Lewis, Alberto Salazar and Steve Scott, among others. One who stuck it out with Dan was Anne Roberts, who described Fred Lebow as "the nicest, most generous man on earth."

Yesterday, Dan realized his dream: the statue was dedicated. But at this ceremony, there was a surprise. Paying a sum of $25,000 for the endowment of the statue (to ensure it remains cared for) was the tribe of the Viejas Band of the Kumegaay Indians, represented by their Vice Chairman, Mr. Bobby Barrett. In an incredible tribute to the air crewmembers killed on Sept. 11, 2001, the Viejas Band submitted the permanent Endowment of the statue in honor of and in the names of all airline employees lost on Flt.s 11, 77, 175 and 93. In the climax of the ceremony, US Airways Captain Tom Heidenberger accepted a replica statue of Fred Lebow on behalf of all of the employees and in the name of his wife, Michele, who was on Flt. 77.

In this manner, these brave people were recognized as heroes and forever memorialized through the NYC Marathon Tribute Committee and the Viejas Band. Fred Lebow and the American and United employees killed in the 9-11 attacks were both hailed as unifying factors in American society-we will never forget them.

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