Let’s Roll
By Tim Egart, CFP®, AIF®
A week ago, our nation passed the 20-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks – a day in our history that stands still. Many, if not all of us, can remember the first moment we witnessed the awful scene unfolding across our country. Every year since that awful day, we memorialize the incredible acts of heroism & sacrifice in the face of evil incarnate.
While I’ve heard the story of Todd Beamer many times before, it seemed to hit me harder this year than in years past. It may be that he seemed to be in the same stage of life I find myself in – around the same age, happily married for over a decade, and feeling the weight of responsibility to shepherd and care for young children. Admittedly, I was struck with fear of having to be presented with the same circumstances he was.
Todd Beamer was a salesman for Oracle on United Flight 93 – the 4th plane hijacked on 9/11. After the plane was hijacked, Todd was able to make a call to the operator and describe the situation on board. Throughout the call, he and other passengers were made aware of the dire situation our nation was in with reason to believe Flight 93’s destination may be the White House or the Capitol Building. Amidst the chaos unfolding, Todd and other heroes remained calm and crafted a plan to retake the plane. With 45 minutes of flight time from Shanksville, PA to Washington, DC, the final moments of their conversation ended by reciting The Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm, and Todd sharing these words,
“God help me…
Jesus help me…
Are you guys ready?…
Let’s Roll…”
Moments later, Flight 93 would crash in a field in Shanksville, PA. Todd and all passengers on board were killed. Their heroism, however, allowed many others in the White House or Capitol Building to go home to hug their spouse, their children, their family, and friends that fateful day.
I have no intention of trying to stitch this story of incredible heroism to any investment discipline or wisdom. Todd Beamer and the passengers who fought back so courageously, however, can have a profound impact on how we approach our lives.
Courage: Todd Beamer was a husband, a father, and a businessman – a relatively ordinary man – going about his duty to serve his family and his employer. He wasn’t a President, a Navy Seal, or a Supreme Court Justice. Yet, he is an American hero. In our day-to-day lives, we can also have the courage to face difficult circumstances, to stand for what is right, and build up those that are downtrodden. There is a hero inside of each of us.
Perspective: In our fast-moving society, I can find myself focused on things that simply don’t matter in the long term. Lisa Beamer, Todd’s wife, recently explained that “Todd loved his life, but he knew that his life was much more than his 32 years on this Earth. His soul was secure, even when his body wasn’t.” How often do we allow a petty argument or some bad luck to get in the way of really living and showing those around us they’re loved? Whether we believe it or not, we always have the ability to control our response to the circumstances around us. A long-term perspective can help our view towards moments of struggle & challenge.
Action: Todd’s famous last words, “Let’s Roll,” became a rallying cry as we launched the “War on Terror.” In many regards, it’s a rallying cry for action – to live now for there is no guarantee for tomorrow. Hug your spouse a little longer. Play with your kids a bit more. Spoil your grandchildren. Take the trip you’ve been saving for. Give grace where it’s unwarranted. Spread joy. Start a business. Run that marathon. Just get moving…
While the 20th anniversary of 9/11 has come and gone, the story of Todd Beamer and other American heroes on Flight 93 hasn’t.
In honor of them and many other heroes that died that day,
Let’s Roll…