Captain Steve Ruda, the Los Angeles Fire Department's "Firefighter of the Year" for 2005, has been honored with the privilege of participating in the 2006 United Airlines Flight 93 National Memorial Ceremony. Captain Ruda will be reading the names of those brave individuals aboard Flight 93 who lost their lives on that fateful day, September 11, 2001.

Steve is widely known for an inspiring message he wrote on a quilted wall hanging, sent as a tribute to the passengers and crew of September 11's Flight 93. His heartfelt opening words soon became the Mission Statement of the Flight 93 National Memorial:

"A common field one day. A field of honor forever. May all who visit this place remember the collective acts of courage and sacrifice of the passengers and crew, revere this hallowed ground as the final resting place of those heroes, and reflect on the power of individuals who choose to make a difference."

The Flight 93 Memorial service to be held on 9/11 in Shanksville, PA is one of dozens of memorial services held Nationwide honoring those who lost their lives or were injured in the terrorist attack.

Submitted by Ron Myers, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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