US REVIEW

Book review by Dylan Ward

"They were simply people who cared. And that was enough."

In the aftermath of 9/11, citizens from Oregon came to the aid of New York and America in a symbolic gesture amid tragedy. In what is considered one of the largest grassroots efforts, the Flight for Freedom brought together diverse Americans from 3,000 miles apart and helped begin a long and arduous road of recovery and healing.

Even though the events recalled here in Bourrie’s heartfelt account took place more than twenty years ago, they are seared in the memory of anyone who witnessed or directly experienced them. Bourrie thoughtfully compiles the stories of New Yorkers who bore witness to destruction and death and the Oregonians, known as the Freedom Fliers, who came to show support and love for their fellow Americans. Bourrie intricately details the timeline of events surrounding September 11, 2001, and the reverberating impact on the nation and the world in the days and weeks following the significant trauma that at once shaped the course of history.

This is a hefty book that explores a sobering subject, and Bourrie divides the narrative’s attention between Sho and Loen Dozono, owners of one of Oregon’s largest travel agencies, Azumano Travel, who spearheaded the organized movement that became known as the Flight for Freedom and the heartbreaking stories of the New Yorkers and Oregonians. The Dozonos’ experience with September 11 was a little different as they were abroad at the time, watching everything unfold in real-time, and Bourrie touches on the surprising global response of mourning and heartfelt support for America, which in part influenced the Dozonos’ response upon returning to the United States. Understandably, the travel industry was severely impacted by this major incident, equally affecting the Dozonos’ business, their livelihood, and their employees.

Sho is described as one with an eye on the future, while Loen instills a “passion for justice.” Their ability to mobilize quickly and effectively was a contributing factor that led to the success of the Flight for Freedom campaign. The campaign included support and contributions from all levels, sixty-two planes, and one thousand people flying, along with a shipment of shirts, buttons, a parade banner, and signs. This was done in part to show Americans it was still safe to travel and partly to prove America’s resiliency. Bourrie threads the personal narratives together, creating a tapestry of unique, but shared human experiences. For example, there is the woman who wanted to donate her seeing eye dog’s shoes because the dogs at the World Trade Center were wearing burlap socks on their feet. Then there are the Oregon firefighters who went to assist their New York Firefighters in a bond of brotherhood. There are also real estate agents, teachers, a playwright, honeymooners and second honeymooners, politicians, and many more. There is humor, and there is horror. These are the stories of the eyewitnesses to life altered and history made—the pivotal voices that create Bourrie’s fascinating book.

The Flight for Freedom was not without its critics and controversy. Yet despite these factors, the plan came together in the end to create a memorable journey. Here, Bourrie expertly guides the reader through the making of this incredible journey, capturing the warmth and humanity in moments both big and small when everyone tries to make sense of and find peace in a period of darkness. In addition, Bourrie also covers the long, complex history of the Pacific Northwest, giving readers more understanding of where the Oregonians were coming from and how extraordinary this moment was in the scope of things. Overall, Bourrie’s book is not just historical documentation but a moving tribute to not only those who lost their lives but also those who honored them in a beautiful way.