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Posted for "Bill & Sue Harrelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:
Friends,
I know that we are all concerned about the tragic events that have
befallen our country. We all want to, and need to grieve the unbelievable
loss. We also want to and need to get back a sense of "normalcy" in our
lives. These two needs can certainly create conflict within us and among us
as to what is the "right" thing to do. Larry Henney wrote to me with his
concerns about holding our fly-in. These are valid concerns. We share them
and take them seriously. We have spoken with many of you about this. I have
spoken by phone with Larry and we both believe that our letters to each
other probably speak to the emotions and conflicts that we are all feeling.
With that in mind, both Larry and I thought that it might be helpful to
share these letters with all of you.
........
Bill,
My heart is with you entirely. As an American Airlines pilot and prior
Naval Aviator I am furious over what has happened. I demand that my life
be returned to the status quo.
This view, however, and these emotions don't consider all the ramifications
of the moment. Specifically, the Nation is probably going to have a Vigil
or National Day of Prayer very soon. (As it should!) I imagine spending
that day faithfully in prayer for the nation, the families, the wounded,
and emergency response personnel. This weekend would be a good
choice. How would that influence our decision to fly if it is scheduled
for Saturday?
These events have to have an impact on me. No matter how much I want to
put on the face of normalcy, life at this moment is not normal for me. I
am not giving in to terrorism by acknowledging factual changes to my
lifestyle. Forever more my daily job will dramatically reflect an attempt
to mitigate any future attacks of the this kind. When I look back at Sep
11, 2001, I would hate to tell my children and grandkids that it was
overshadowed by my self indulgent actions on Sep 15.
The search for survivors is ongoing. Just one call to 911 during the race
would reduce our emergency response capability if not literally at least on
paper. After hearing today that a Brooklyn nightshift firefighter had lost
both day shifts buddy's (entire shifts!) to the tragedy before his arrival
on the scene I am saddened. As it appears to me our nations firefighters
are working to the point of exhaustion. It lacks respect for EMS personnel
to add risk to the current situation by our flying an air race.
Finally, I have to ask myself how would the Nation (not necessarily the
world) see us considering the current cancellations from Baseball to the
Emmys? I can't really see the positive spin on CNN. Maybe there could be
one. I don't know. Perhaps the opening prayer could be a real tear
jerker. I'd gladly deliver it.
Distractions, and "moving on", and "Not gonna give in to terrorism" are all
good thoughts. They just skip the part about taking the time to bury our dead.
Do I want to race? Heck yea! I am dying to put my little 360 up against
the pack. I have been grooming my plane during every free moment since
Oshkosh (and you better look out))
My suggestion is to delay the race out of respect for the
situation. Considering the numbers involved this may be totally
unfathomable. I am sure that the planning to put this together was most
monumental. Schedule changes in the ninth hour are generally very
difficult to facilitate. If not possible or desirable I understand. I
personally could attend either of the next two weekends. If you choose to
freeze the brats I'll be there for the thawing.
Larry Henney
N360LH
...........
Hello Larry,
Thank you for your thoughts on the fly-in this weekend. Sue and I had
considered many of the things that you brought up. Your points are, of
course, valid. We are aware of the possible negative perceptions that could
be caused by holding the fly-in.
The idea for the fly-in came from a desire to bring Lancair builders and
flyers together for fellowship and sharing of ideas. That purpose can, we
believe, be accomplished without disrespecting those who have been lost.
The race was not intended to be, nor was it last year, the central purpose
of the fly-in. It was a "just for fun" diversion before lunch. A great deal
of blustering takes place in the months and minutes before the race but in
the end, we all know that it's not Reno.
Perhaps in light of the recent events, it would be best not to hold the
race. I honestly don't know what the answer is. Postponement of the fly-in,
however, is not an option for Sue and me. Because of our schedules (Sue is
a 767 captain for United and I an 80 driver for AA) and other commitments,
it's either Saturday or cancel. The soonest possible later date for us
would be in November when the weather in this part of the country is much
less suitable for such an event. Perhaps someone else could hold the fly-in
later at another facility, I don't know.
If a national day of mourning is declared for Saturday there would be no
question that we would cancel. I am sure that such a day will be declared
and we will respect that day.
>>Finally, I have to ask myself how would the Nation (not necessarily the
world) see us considering the current cancellations from Baseball to the
Emmys<<
Yes, we thought about that. One of the things that we used as a guide in
our decision to continue (if possible) was the Reno Air Race, also
scheduled for Saturday. They grappled with the same tough issues that we
are facing and decided to hold the race (airspace restrictions permitting).
Take a look at their site at www.airrace.org
>>When I look back at Sep 11, 2001, I would hate to tell my children and
grandkids that it was overshadowed by my self indulgent actions on Sep 15.<<
Yes, I can see how one might feel that way. Let's face it, our Lancairs are
essentially toys. They are indulgences but they also represent the
tremendous freedoms that we are so fortunate to have. Not just the freedom
to fly, but freedom to work, study, commit and strive to attain a situation
that allows us to afford both money and time to construct such toys.
Indulgent...yes, but I also see our planes as symbols of some of the best
of America's ingenuity, resourcefulness and freedom. I would like to think
of the fly-in as a celebration of these positive aspects.
>>Perhaps the opening prayer could be a real tear jerker. I'd gladly
deliver it.<<
We respectfully accept your kind offer. We think that this is a good idea.
Larry, we share the same thoughts and concerns as you. In the end, there is
probably no "right" thing to do in a situation like this. We can not ignore
the terrible things that have happened to our country, we don't want to.
But we also will not just lay down and give up either. We hope that you
understand our decision and we look forward to meeting you Saturday.
Bill & Sue Harrelson
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