Summary
Inspiring Journey of Paul Veneto
A retired flight attendant is on an inspiring journey to honor the flight crews who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Paulie’s Push Initiative
Paul Veneto, who worked at United Airlines starting in 1997 and retired in 2013, initiated “Paulie’s Push” in 2021. This initiative celebrates the spirit of the airline crews through a poignant act of pushing an airline cart between two cities, serving as a tribute to those lost during the tragic events of that day.
Community Support and Recognition
“The outpouring of support from my airline crew family has been heartwarming, to say the least. I’ve been met out on the road by a number of flight crews, both current and retired,” Veneto shared while on his latest route from Newark Liberty International Airport to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pennsylvania. He noted that a friend from his United training school came out to see him for the third consecutive push.
The first “Paulie’s Push” occurred in 2021, when Veneto pushed a beverage cart from Boston Logan International Airport to the 9/11 National Memorial in New York City, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. The second push took place from Boston Logan International Airport to the Pentagon National Memorial in 2022, showcasing Veneto’s dedication to honoring those who sacrificed their lives.
This year, Veneto is undertaking his longest route yet, covering a distance of 300 miles. His former colleague from United Flight 175 is expected to join him for the final stretch, providing further affirmation of the community’s support and solidarity.
Non-Profit Efforts for Flight Crew Families
Veneto expressed his desire for greater recognition of his colleagues, stating, “In the enormity of everything that happened on September 11, 2001, I felt that my colleagues needed more recognition. I wanted their families to understand: they died as heroes.”
The registered non-profit organization behind Paulie’s Push accepts donations that support financial assistance efforts for the families of flight crews and help fund the expenses of the push. This initiative plays a vital role in educating the public and raising awareness about the sacrifices made by flight crews.
