9.12.25 – APFA LAX Base Brief – We Will Never Forget

We Will Never Forget

Friday, September 12, 2025

They say time heals all wounds. Yet, for many of us, the passage of time since September 11, 2001, has not proven to be the cure we so hoped for.

Like many, I always assumed that eventually the haunting memories would fade, the hurt would lessen, and the tears would dry. However, that was not to be the case.

The scars run deep.

Recovery has not come easily for so many of us. We continue to persevere, but the emotions, fear, and anxiety simmer just below the surface. However, we stand as witnesses to what happened, and it is that memory that fuels our vigilance.

This day is very difficult for many Americans and for anyone touched by this horrific event. However, our burden as American Airlines flight attendants is even greater. Each day, we are reminded of how fragile our collective and individual futures may be whenever we go to work.

Each time our security concerns are overlooked, each time the boundaries are pushed, and each time our importance as safety professionals and first responders is diminished, the memories of those we lost are disrespected, and the lessons we learned are undermined.

American Airlines wants us to forget. They want us to doubt our significance. They want us to believe that what we do does not matter.

We DO matter.

I write this with tears in my eyes, and I know those tears are shared by many.

Cody Steele and I are here for you. Whatever we can do, please let us know. You are not alone.

In tribute to the AA crew members we lost on September 11, 2001, I am attaching a small biography of each one that was shared in the Fall 2001 APFA Skyword newsletter. Please take a moment and click on the image below, and remember those we lost on that tragic day.

We will not—and cannot—forget.

In Solidarity,

John

John Nikides
APFA LAX Base President 
[email protected]

Cody Steele
APFA LAX Base Vice President 
[email protected]