For all those who are cynical about the state of the American spirit after years of comparative peace and indulgence, I offer the fact that Mark Bingham, Jeremy Glick, Todd Beamer and Tom Burnett were all thirty-somethings. Generation Xers who, when their time came, did what they knew their country needed them to do.
One last thought about United #93. It marked the end of skyjacking. Forever. And not because of any tougher security measures that the FAA might implement.
Instead, the terrorist now knows that he cannot count on the passive plane-load of passengers and, instead, faces a concerted attack. Under the circumstances, there is no longer any percentage in attempting to commandeer a jetliner.
I'd hate to be the next guy who hijacks an airliner hoping to hitch a ride to Cuba. The passengers will tear him limb from limb.
Proving once again that the best security available is nothing more than a willingness to defend one's self.
Americans can learn a lot from the example set by United #93.