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Here's NORAD's latest information on the film:
Recently, NORAD and the Air Force participated on a film titled "United 93" for Universal Studios, which premiered last evening during the Tribeca Film Festival in midtown New York City. Because of NORAD's participation with Universal Studios on the film and in light of the premier, we are providing the following talking points as information and for your situational awareness. All media queries regarding NORAD's participation should be referred to the On-Call Public Affairs Officer at 719-330-5169. Thank you.
TALKING POINTS ON THE FILM "UNITED 93"
1. The film offered NORAD, the United States Air Force and DoD the opportunity to inform the public by increasing the realism and historical authenticity of the military depictions by helping to dispel some of the conspiracy theories and other misinformation about the tragic events of 9/11, particularly as they involve the military and United Flight 93.
2. The film reminds viewers that many of the terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks are still at large and that the terrorist threat is still endangering innocent people around the globe.
Additionally, the film honors the courage and sacrifice of the passengers of United 93 who were, after all, the first Americans to stand up to Al Qaeda and the terrorists who struck America on September 11, 2001.
They were not military members – they were ordinary citizens in an extraordinary situation: They figured out for themselves what was going on; they knew that the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had been struck.
They defeated the terrorists’ plan to strike their intended target – likely the U.S. Capitol. They gave their lives to save the lives of countless others and preserved a great symbol of democracy for the United States and the world.
The Air Force, NORAD and the Department of Defense were honored to help tell their story.
4. September 11, 2001 was perhaps the most historically significant day of our generation. It changed the lives of millions of Americans, and continues to affect us today. Based on assurances from the production company that they were striving to make a film that was as accurate as possible, NORAD, the Air Force and DoD agreed to provide records, information, technical assistance and casting support for extras.
5. Family members of everyone aboard United 93 cooperated with the production. A researcher from the production company spent several months interviewing family members – all of whom supported the movie.
6. The documentary nature of the film was a key aspect in the collective decision to support. We also knew that it would be the first major movie about the events of September 11, 2001, and we wanted to ensure that Universal's portrayal of NORAD, the Air Force and DoD was as accurate as possible.
7. The Global War on Terror has been going on now for nearly five years. It is important for our military members – and all Americans – to understand why we fight. There’s a key line in the film when the air traffic controllers are trying to figure out what’s going on. After some initial thoughts that a “small plane” had accidentally crashed into the WTC, one of the controllers proclaims: “…someone is at war with us.”* Nearly five years later, they still are.
8. When historians look back, they will see that the fight against Al Qaeda did not begin in Afghanistan – it began over the skies of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, aboard United 93. They set the example. That’s why we felt compelled and honored to support this film.
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