Retired Flight Attendant Embarks on 300-Mile Journey to Honor Airline Crew Lost on 9/11
In a poignant tribute to the airline crews who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001, a retired flight attendant has embarked on an inspirational journey of remembrance.
Paul Veneto, a former United Airlines flight attendant with a career spanning from 1997 until his retirement in 2013, initiated the “Paulie’s Push” campaign in 2021. This endeavor is a heartfelt tribute to the indomitable spirit of airline crews who faced unprecedented challenges that fateful day. At the core of “Paulie’s Push” is Veneto’s dedicated effort to push an airline beverage cart between two significant cities, symbolizing his deep respect for the Airline Crew Lost on 9/11.
As Mr. Veneto currently undertakes his latest route, from Newark Liberty International Airport to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania, he has expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from his airline crew family, both active and retired. Reflecting on this solidarity, Veneto shared,
“The outpouring of support from my airline crew family has been heartwarming, to say the least. I’ve been met out on the road by a number of flight crews, both current and retired. A friend I went to United training school with came out to see me for the third straight Push.”
The inaugural “Paulie’s Push” commenced in 2021, when Veneto embarked on a journey from Boston Logan International Airport to the 9/11 National Memorial in New York City, marking the 20th anniversary of the tragic events. In 2022, his dedication took him from Boston Logan International Airport to the Pentagon National Memorial. However, this year, Veneto is pushing the limits by undertaking his longest stretch ever, covering a remarkable distance of 300 miles.
Notably, one of Veneto’s former colleagues from United Flight 175 is set to join him to walk the final leg of the journey. Along the way, Veneto has been warmly welcomed by uniformed airline crew members and first responders who have turned out to express their unwavering support.
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Explaining the motivation behind his remarkable undertaking, Veneto stated, “In the enormity of everything that happened on Sept. 11, 2001, I felt that my colleagues needed more recognition. I wanted their families to understand: they died as heroes.”
To support his noble cause, the registered non-profit organization associated with “Paulie’s Push” accepts donations that provide financial assistance to the families of flight crews and cover the expenses associated with the journey. Furthermore, the initiative serves as a means to educate and raise awareness about the profound sacrifices made by the flight crew community.
