By Gabriel Renelt, Contributing Writer
On Saturday, Sept. 12, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred on 9/11, the Majestic Theater held a screening of the film “United 93” and a conversation panel following afterward. The panel featured the families of the individuals on the plane dubbed United 93. The event ran from 6 to 9 p.m.
“United 93” is the screen adaptation, directed by Paul Greengrass, of the book “Flight 93: The Story, The Aftermath, and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11” by Tom McMillan. The film portrays the true story of the aircraft United 93, which was hijacked by four members of al-Qaeda on Sept. 11, 2001.
“United 93” strives to retell the story of the passengers on board the plane that day who managed to infiltrate the plan of the four al-Qaeda hijackers and prevent the plane from reaching its attack destination, Washington, D.C.
Gettysburg Film Festival host Andrew Dalton ’19 opened the event with a few remarks.
Dalton compared the actions of the 40 individuals on the plane that day to the thousands who died in the Battle of Gettysburg, stating that, “When our nation was tested, [the passengers on United 93] proved to the world that America and our ideals are worth fighting for, that we will not surrender our values, our humanity, our goodness, or our unity to those who seek to tear us apart.”
Dalton introduced John Rothman, an actor best known for his portrayal of General John Reynolds in the film “Gettysburg,” who portrayed Edward P. Felt in United 93. Edward Felt is most famously remembered as the only passenger on United flight 93 to call 911. Reynolds noted that, “He was trying to alert people on the ground to where the plane was, and to hope, I think, that the flight could be diverted, or at least warn people where they were.”
Following the conclusion of the screening, a panel discussion with the family members Kenny Nacke, Gordie Felt, David Beamer, Deborah Borza, and Ed Root commenced. Deborah Borza is remembered as the mother of passenger Deora Bodley, the youngest passenger on the flight that day, who was 20 years old.
Gordie Felt, Edward Felts brother, noted that, “the emotion that comes from the movie is undeniable.” Felt said that the movie is a representation of the bravery of his brother, along with the other 39 passengers, and believes that no one should be afraid or shy away from viewing it. “Frankly I think that every American, at least 18 years old, should see it” said Felt.
According to the panel, only 25 states currently have a mandated 9/11-specific curriculum. This means 50% of American states do not explicitly mandate the teaching of the events of 9/11, a fact which these survived family members would like to see changed.
After opening the floor for a couple of questions, the discussion panel came to its end with David Beamer, who closed-off discussion with the call to action: “do the right thing right now because that’s what the 40 heroes did… we’ve got choices to make every day.”
