Where were you on 9-11? Letters sent to the Courtyard Marriott and Sun Country Airlines

Email sent to the Courtyard by Marriott staff Denver CO – October 25, 2001

I would like to take this time to thank the General Manager and the entire staff at the Airport Marriott. Four of us were flying on that fateful day of September 11, 2001 and diverted to Denver International.

We wound up staying several days at your hotel and were so impressed with the service we received. Everyone was left in a state of confusion and uncertainty, but your staff came through with flying colors, and treated us like royalty. No request went unheeded and the desk clerks even re-charged my cell phone while we anxiously waited for pertinent information from the travel agency and airlines.

The day we were finally able to return home, the manager even drove us to the airport himself and refused to take any gratuities we offered him.

Please take the time to thank your staff and let them know that we will never forget their kindness to lost travelers.

God bless you and America.

Marion J Chard

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Sun Country Airlines
2520 Pilot Knob Rd. Suite 250
Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Thursday, October 25, 2001

Dear Sun Country:

I would like to thank your company, the pilot and the flight crew aboard flight 593, which departed DTW on September 11, 2001 at 8:00 AM. My husband, two of our dearest friends and myself were on our way to a long-planned Las Vegas vacation. My husband and I had never even been west of the Mississippi and were really looking forward to our trip.

In the prelude to the pilot’s announcement, now forever etched in my head, we were playing poker, taking in the scenery, and enjoying his ongoing commentary on our westward journey. When we his voice spliced through the aircraft with, “Ladies and gentlemen. The FAA has ordered all flights within the United States to immediately land at the nearest available airport. There is no cause for alarm.” We thought he was joking. The four of us looked at each other, awaiting the punch line, which never arrived. We will never forget the looks on the flight attendant’s faces as they filed to the back of the airplane. We can only imagine what was going through their minds.

When we were finally able to travel back to our hometown of Detroit, it was very comforting to be back aboard with our original crew. I’m sure everyone, including passengers and Sun Country employees were all feeling a bit apprehensive, however, because of the exemplary behavior of this crew, the journey home was a very comforting experience. The pilot succeeded in making us relax and kept us occupied with his geography quizzes. On the now historic flight westward, he informed us about landmarks, and the historic journeys of our ancestors. Now, four days later, he decided to jog our memories. “What is the English translation of the Indian name, Mississippi? Write your answer on a piece of paper and hand them to a flight attendant. Anyone with the correct answer will receive a free drink of his or her choice.” Needless to say, the four of us had the right answer. What a great way to put our minds at ease.

All the flight attendants also deserve our smiles and thanks as they put their own concerns behind them and spent time in conversation and taking care of our needs. I would like to give special thanks to a particular blonde flight attendant who spent time talking with us. I wish I could remember her name. She was a very warm and caring individual and we will never forget her kindness.

In closing, we hope you will take the time to thank these individuals and let them know how much their comforting words meant to the four of us. We are looking forward to our next flight with Sun Country. May you continue to prosper through this difficult period.

Thank you and God bless you and America.
Marion J Chard