Hello everyone and thank you for the opportunity to recognize and honor what the Families of Continental 3407 have done to make air travel safer. 

We see in your achievements, the power of family, friends and community to bring about real and enduring change. 

Your work is a tribute to those who came before, and to those who have followed…

….I’m thinking about the families of Pan Am 103, who in 1990 brought about changes to aviation security. Or the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 families, who spurred the overhaul for how we certify commercial aircraft. 

In each case, families and friends, driven to action, selflessly rose up to make aviation safer for American travelers, and for people all around the world. 

Together, you have progressively strengthened the safety net that protects us, and for that, we owe you a great debt of gratitude.

While I don’t know if completing what you started so many years ago, brings with it a sense of closure, I do hope that you take comfort in knowing that you’ve made a difference for the families of travelers everywhere.

Your hard work and dedication has increased the margins of safety in our aviation system. And that makes the journey all the more safe.  

Thank you again, for all you’ve accomplished.