Adoption: The Long Road Ahead (Feature) APIA Leaders Strive to Help Life Go On (in National News) S.F. Schools' Enrollment Plan Still Being Debated (in Bay Area News) Surviving a Free-Market World (in Business) Art and Gut-Deep Emotions (in A&E) My First Protest (in Opinion)

WTC Attack Hero, Chinatown Daughter Honored

Betty Ong, born in 1956, grew up in San Francisco Chinatown.

By Ji Hyun Lim

Ten days after the first of two ill-fated airliners crashed in to New York’s World Trade Center, mourners gathered in San Francisco’s Chinatown to pay respects to one of the many heroes who emerged from the American tragedy. Thousands of miles away from the rubble, smoke and chaos of the Sept. 11 disaster, some 200 people gathered at a small park appropriately named the “Garden of Peace and Joy,” in remembrance of American Airlines Flight Attendant, Betty Ong.

Ong courageously called authorities from American Airlines Flight 11, which was heading from Boston to Los Angeles. The flight was carrying 81 passengers, two pilots and nine flight attendants. Ong remained cool-headed and relayed vital information to authorities concerning the hijacking. She named the seats the terrorists were in and stated what the terrorists were planning to do, all during a struggle between the hijackers and other attendants. Despite her warning, Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the WTC at 8:45 a.m., tearing a hole in the building and setting it on fire.

Ong, who was born in 1956, grew up in Chinatown and graduated from George Washington High School. As well-respected community members, her family owned a grocery store on Jackson Street. Betty Ong was the youngest of her surviving siblings: sisters, Cathie Ong Herrera, Gloria Ong Woo and brother Harry Ong.

Robert Lundrum, a friend from Boston and an American Airlines employee, commended Ong’s professionalism during the flight. He pointed out that her precise, detailed reports of the hijacking, in the face of great danger, was key during the crisis.

“She cared about her family, friends, passengers,” Lundrum said. “She’s just an angel.”

Reverend Norman Fong of the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown mediated the remembrance. An organist played “America, the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” as an American flag softly waved in the light breeze and bright sunlight. A wreath hung on a photograph of the smiling Betty Ong. Attendees carried single white carnations, signifying innocence lost, and San Francisco fire fighters escorted members of Ong’s family.

Religious leaders took turns speaking about the tragic loss and the need to have solidarity in such difficult times. Alan Chan, a Buddhist minister, spoke of cultivating benevolence, generosity and courtesy despite the tragedy. He emphasized resolving conflicts with calm patience in the aftermath of such a devastating event. Reverend Fong commenced the tribute with a prayer affirming oneness.

“If one part suffers or rejoices, we all do,” Fong prayed. “We gather proudly to show that we are all one with America”.

Community leaders also gathered to pay tribute. Former Supervisor Mabel Teng translated for monolingual Chinese speakers, at times breaking down in tears mid-sentence from the emotional intensity of the loss. A representative from Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office presented a flag that flew over U.S. Capitol to Betty Ong’s family, saying that it was a symbol of respect those who have given their lives. Mayor Willie Brown gave a proclamation honoring the people who died in the tragedy, calling September 21 Betty Ong Day.

Said Brown: “When 180,000 San Franciscans say their prayers, they can say the angel, Betty Ong, by name.”

John Fong from the Chinese Benevolent Association also paid tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11 disaster. He thanked and supported the rescue workers and their families in behalf of the association. He pointed out the need to demonstrate unity in the aftermath of the attack and to honor those who have helped in relief efforts, including people in the military, civil servants, members of nonprofit organizations. We should take pride in their patriotism, he said.

Fong described these workers as “fighters of freedom” and encouraged everyone to remember them in their thoughts and prayers.

As the organist played “God Bless America,” attendees sang and gently placed their carnations on a table next to Ong’s surviving family members.

In conclusion, Fong said: “We all feel pain because of tragedy and want justice for those who did this. We should not seek revenge out of prejudice and discrimination but leave with peace in our hearts.”