Heroes

[Padraig18]

Last week, I attended the dedication of the new Arlan Williams Elementary School in Mattoon, IL. The reason I attended is because the late Mr. Williams is my boyfriend's great-uncle. Maybe the name doesn't mean much to you, and were it not for Tony, it probably wouldn't mean much to me, either. Nonetheless, I want to share with you what I know about Arlan Williams, and why a small town in the heart of Illinois chose to name it's new, 26.2 million dollar school for a native son.

Arlan Williams was a lower middle-level bureaucrat working for (I believe) the Bureau of the Census in Washington, DC. An amiable sort, his friends remembered, but also not someone who stood out in a crowd. Twice married and divorced, he did his job quietly and well, but then normally went home to his dog and his books. "A quiet man", one of his co-workers said.

On January 13th, 1982, he boarded an Air Florida Boeing 737, and the plane took off at 3:59 p.m. during a snowstorm, bound for Tampa, FL. A few minutes later, it struck the 14th Street Bridge across the Potomac River, and plunged into the river itself. Not all aboard died on impact: 4 pasengers and one flight attendant ultimately survived, and they survived because of Arlan Williams.

Some of you may remember the video footage, or maybe you saw it live on CNN; I have seen the CNN footage on tape. Bodies scattered, the plane submerged, and SIX passengers in the frigid waters of the Potomac, some trying to stay afloat, some trying to cling to a piece of shattered ice and one--- Arlan Williams--- swimming to help those who were closest. I've seen the footage of the helicopter which lowered the rope down to Arlan Williams, and I then saw Arlan Williams secure a young woman with that rope and pump his arm "Go! Go!" to the crew. Four times I saw him do the same thing with the remaining passengers. I've also seen the helicopter return, only to find no Arlan Williams there--- exhausted, he sank into a watery grave, his body later recovered by divers.

Why did he do it? I don't know, to be honest, and I don't know if I could do the same, although I'd like to think so, should the circumstance present itself.

"Greater love hath no man, than that he lay down his life for his friends", the Bible tells us, and I believe that completely, and without reservation. Maybe I'm different, but I don't believe you have to be a soldier who's charged a machine-gun nest, or an athlete who has come back from a life-threatening illness to be a hero. I believe that any of us--- people just like Arlan Williams--- can be heroes, because of the nobility of the human spirit!

Cheers! :)

*Edited for typos

[oneighty]

1. Yes he was

a man unto himself, and others.

180

[MissMillie]

2. I remember this...

and I remember the images on the television. Arlan Williams was a hero, for certain.

[sangh0]

3. A genuine hero

He will be missed

[wryter2000]

4. OMG

I will never forget the film of him rescuing the other passengers.

[commander bunnypants]

5. Beautiful

thanks


DDQM

[LuLu550]

6. thank you for reminding me

I remember it, as well. At a time when we throw the word "hero" around so easily it is nice to be reminded of what true heroism is.

[proud patriot]

7. How tragic

:-(

[Padraig18]

8. The things that boggles my mind

I just can't quite wrap my brain around him refusing to save himself f-i-v-e separate times. God, what incredible bravery and selflessness! :)

[tinnyguy1777]

9. Amazing----How unselfish this man was----

I've see this story numerous times, and always have admired his actions. I would only hope to be as courageous, if I were ever in a similar position. He, truly, was a hero.