Written by Jake Keiter and featured in our September 13th Print Edition
It was a lovely day on August 26th, 2023, as Paul Veneto continued his journey through Lebanon County, walking where many prefer to soar. Instead of jet engines roaring at several hundred miles per hour, the soundtrack of his trek is the rattle of a metal beverage cart traversing bumpy roads, totaling an astonishing 300 miles.
A Mission to Remember
Paul Veneto’s mission is to ensure that we remember the heroes of September 11, 2001, in a unique and heartfelt way. He’s walking to honor the flight crews who were the first victims of terror on that fateful day, a group he believes were quickly forgotten in the shadow of the tragic events that unfolded.
Paulie’s Push
This is the third time the retired United Airlines flight attendant has embarked on such a journey, crisscrossing Pennsylvania as part of his “Paulie’s Push” tribute. His first trek, from Logan International Airport to Ground Zero on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, set the stage for his remarkable undertaking.
A Journey Spanning Decades
Paul’s path to fulfilling this mission spanned two decades, culminating in his retirement from a career in the skies. His journey has taken on a name and identity of its own, recognized as “Paulie’s Push.”
The Post-9/11 World
His career as a flight attendant continued for nearly another decade after 9/11, but it was never the same. Paul, along with many of his colleagues, lived with the constant fear that another attack could occur at any time. He described his hyper-vigilance and how he longed for revenge, eagerly watching over the cabins, looking for anything unusual.
Finding Purpose
“I was waiting every single time I got on a plane. I wanted revenge,” he said. However, this constant state of alertness was unsustainable, and Paul reached a breaking point. He turned to prescription painkillers in an attempt to numb the emotional pain, causing his plans for the beverage cart tribute to fade into obscurity.
Ultimately, Paul realized that painkillers weren’t the solution; purpose was. With newfound determination and sobriety, he rallied a group of grade school buddies, announcing that the beverage cart tribute was back on, perfectly timed for the two-decade anniversary in 2021.
A Personal Connection
Paul’s journey is deeply personal, especially his maiden voyage, as he had been scheduled to work on the same plane the night before 9/11. The crew that replaced him, most of whom he knew, became the ill-fated heroes of that day. Their photos remained affixed to his carry-on bag throughout his career.
Passing the Torch
Beyond personal connections, Paul’s mission extends to ensuring that a new generation of flight attendants understands the gravity of the post-9/11 world. The skies were forever changed, and the fear of potential terrorists loomed large. Today’s flight crews face different challenges, like unruly passengers and social media scrutiny, but they must remember the sacrifices of their predecessors.
A Challenging Trek
Paul’s journey this year began at Newark Airport, the departure point of United Flight 93. He regards this trek as his most challenging yet, covering roughly ten times the distance of his previous journey from Dulles Airport to the Pentagon to honor American Flight 77. His plans for next year include completing his tribute to the four flight crews with a final trip from Boston to Ground Zero, commemorating American Flight 11.
Mental Fortitude
The Pennsylvania roads and hills have given the 64-year-old a workout. His skin is sunburned and peeling, and the vibrations of the beverage cart linger in his arms long after he finishes for the day. While he may not consider himself an athlete, the mental fortitude required is nothing short of remarkable.
Support Along the Way
The sight of Paul pushing the cart, coupled with the images and signs adorning the RV that trails behind him, brings the memories of 9/11 flooding back for so many who lived through it. People have shown tremendous support along his route, coming out of their homes, driving alongside him, or waiting in their driveways to express their gratitude.
