Widow of United 93 Pilot Tells Her Story | Surviving 9/11 - BBC

His wife, Melodie, recounts the moment she found out.⁣

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[dpcadeerpark]

I knew Leroy. He was a childhood friend and neighbor doors down from us on the opposite side of the street. We had another pilot flying that day as well. My brother who took the same career path. He was the one who alerted me later in the day that it was Leroy in the cockpit. I was blessed to fly in high school and college till I switched my major. My brother followed and completed. Then Leroy. Back then black pilots were far and inbetween. As a senior pilot and Captain (seniority 1%), my brother takes pride when he has an all black flight crew, which happens far and inbetween. When the crew walks through the airport, it sometimes creates a commotion, pictures etc. Today we have 7 family members who fly all over the world commercial, cargo, all captains and now women in training. We miss Leroy and his family and are thankful for all and each of his family members gifts that blessed our street and community. Pray for them. Remember his sacrifice among all the others who innocently and senselessly gave service to our country and fellow men and women

[Jennifer_Laz]

The horror in Leroy's voice vs the calm in the hijacker's voice makes clear the evil that was present on those flights.

[Benjaminfranklinchang]

It's brave of her and all the other families to tell their stories

[lesliebolick]

Yesterday, I had googled a list of Flight 93 victims, looking for a particular name. I found a list with pictures...and I immediately noticed his. I wondered why I hadn't been aware of him before. Then, today, I see this video. I had heard the cockpit recording before, but never knew that was his voice. Bless this lady, and all she has been through. Thank you for giving her the opportunity to share her story and her brave husband with us.

[BookishDark]

I had no idea. She’s absolutely 1000% right - we never hear about the pilots. We hardly hear about the people who died in the crashes at the pentagon and in Pennsylvania. It’s so important to know EVERYONE’S story and I really appreciate her telling hers and her husband’s. The audio from the cockpit is horrifying and must be devastating for her to hear. Her pain is so visceral. Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest In Peace, Leroy. We will carry your story on.

[Dan-ysnk]

It's understandable why Melodie feels this way. It's like her husband became a footnote in the story instead of being named a hero. This is exactly how a lot of civilians who died as heroes at the World Trade Center that day were treated. You hear about firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel, but you don't hear about the bravery of civilians in the tower who died trying to save their colleagues. These untold stories need to surface because the more we hear these stories, the more we humanize the people who were killed on 9/11.

[comealongcomealong]

Respect to LeRoy Homer Jnr and his fellow officers and crew. Am ashamed to say I too did not know his name or story.

[dreamcatcher]

22 years later and I'm just now finding out the lives of the pilots. Thank you for honoring your husband so bravely and with such grace. He would be so proud of you. I'm a retired Air Traffic Controller and I was working back then. I was also an Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force and I helped to train many T-38 pilots. I was stationed in Clovis, NM at Cannon AFB. We trained T-38 pilots from Reese AFB and surrounding bases. I started working for the FAA in 1991. Somewhere along the way I'm positive I spoke to your husband. Thank you for sharing his story. There are many of us out there who care deeply about you and your family. And we cry with you. We came so close to stopping them but the universe had another plan. You inspire me so much. Keep it up and know you have support from people you don't even know about. Love to you and all your family. ❤🇺🇸

[MostPowerfulPMofIndia]

His voice and mayday call is bone chilling
How frightening it can be to see your life being snatched away and knowing that you all are going to die such a violent death

[YourHalfSister]

Here I am, on the 20th anniversary of September 11th hearing about this man for the first time 😩.

[myfluffyflufferton]

I, too, was unaware of most of the crew. And that Leroy was captain also was news. Only now have I begun to listen to the survivors’ stories. How did this crew react to such a dire condition attack? Heroes. Bless them.

[heathbar]

I've always been disturbed and upset by the audio of this pilot saying "we're all going to die". I really hope it was quick in the end. I'm glad I know his name. It's still mind-blowing to me how tragic this day was. Every 9/11, I cry for the victims and families. I'll never forget, and never could. 💔

[OjibwayDreams]

I am so sorry for your loss. I have no words for this injustice.

[rosemariebenintend]

Melodie, you've made LeRoy so proud.

What a mother!

[SrikantSunkara]

Soon it is going to be 20 years since this happened and the differences between people are gradually increasing and it really scares me what the future generations are going to be seeing and facing. I still remember the day watching the TV in our office break room and to see this video with the crew that was never given the opportunity to live their life saddens me. I am so sorry for her loss and god bless.

[brandiholly]

Your grief pain is so palatable.. it’s understandable- your husband is a true hero and his legacy will endure!

[Bstn]

She’s so right you never hear about the poor pilots That fought for theirs & passengers lives 😔🙏❤️

[harmonygalpal]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband is a hero.

[diana_loz]

does anyone else think that he said “we’re all going to die here” because he was telling the hijackers with the meaning of “we’re not letting this happen we’re all going to die here, I won’t stop fighting u”

[patriciagorski]

Thank you for your bravery and being able to share your story. May your husband and those we lost be remembered for their bravery. They are resting peacefully in the heavens above.