San Francisco – As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, Harry Ong reflects on his sister Betty Ong’s heroic actions and how their family continues to honor her memory through local service.
Betty Ong’s brave call
Betty Ong was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane hijacked on September 11, 2001. Twenty minutes after the flight left Boston, she called the airline’s reservation desk to report a stabbing in business class and that the cockpit was not responding. Her calm description that “we’re getting hijacked” gave authorities crucial details about the terrorists’ seating, helping them identify the attackers before the plane struck the North Tower.
Family remembrance and community impact
Every year, the Ong family gathers for a retreat in Betty’s memory. They have adopted the Chinese Recreation Center in San Francisco’s Chinatown, renaming it to honor her, and they sponsor programs and parties for local children throughout the year.
In addition, the family founded the Betty Ann Ong Foundation, which provides summer camps and a free shoe program for youth in Bakersfield, where one of Betty’s sisters resides. “It’s a good feeling to promote Betty’s legacy continually,” Harry says.
Personal loss and hope
Six months after the attacks, Betty’s thigh bone was recovered two blocks from the World Trade Center site. The bone was cremated and interred in the family plot in Colma. “About 40% of the families have not received any remains of their loved ones,” Harry notes, “so having even a small piece brings comfort.”
Harry recalls a haunting moment from Betty’s final call: she repeatedly asked, “Are you there?” He assures her, “We’re here for you.”
Continuing the mission
The Ong family’s efforts reflect a desire to turn grief into service, helping others in the community while keeping Betty’s courage alive. Their work exemplifies how personal tragedy can inspire lasting positive change in neighborhoods across the Bay Area.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
