JulSweeney’sney didn’t pick up the call. However, her husband Brian Sweeney’s final voicemail, which was left for her, has persisted for 20 years. Brian Sweeney taped a stirring message just before passing away on September 11, 2001.
Know About Brian Sweeney
Brian David Sweeney was raised in Massachusetts after being born on August 10, 1963. His widow, Julie Sweeney Roth, recalls him as a friendly and self-assured man.
He had the same level of confidence as Tom Cruise, but he had a charisma that made you want to hug and adore him, as Julie put it. He was just that type of a person.
Brian had been a U.S. Navy pilot and an instructor at TOPGUN in Miramar, California. However, Brian agreed to a medical discharge from the Navy in 1997 after a mishap left him severely crippled.
At a Philadelphia bar the following year, he met his future wife, Julie. Julie stated, “I glanced at my girlfriend and told her that’s the kind of guy I would marry.” Julie recalls that the 6’3″ Brian Sweeney immediately caught her attention.
Julie and Brian moved to live together in Massachusetts after a brief courtship. Brian had long adored Cape Cod, so it was fitting that they get married there.
Together, they started to create a life. Brian had a position as a defense contractor by February 2001, while Julie was employed as a teacher. He flew to Los Angeles for a week every month for work.
On board United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston to Los Angeles, Brian said his goodbyes to Julie and departed. Sadly, he would tragically never get there. And on September 11, 2001, he had that as his intention.
Brian Sweeney’s Voicemail On 9/11
On September 11, Julie Sweeney said her husband farewell and resumed her regular workday. However, something in the sky had started to develop that would fundamentally alter her life and the trajectory of American history.
United Airlines Flight 175 took off at 8:14 in the morning and made an abrupt, unforeseen turn at 8:47. The transponder code for United Airlines Flight 175 had strangely changed many times. Still, air traffic authorities were preoccupied with understanding what was happening with another aircraft, American Airlines Flight 11.
The fact that terrorists had hijacked both aircraft from al-Qaeda at that time was unknown to anyone on the ground. No one anticipated they would shortly crash into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City.
Nevertheless, many passengers in the air could now see the situation clearly despite the uncertainty that ruled the ground. Brian Sweeney immediately concluded that he wouldn’t survive United Airlines Flight 175. He, therefore, used a seat-back phone on the aircraft to make one farewell contact with his wife.
Julie Sweeney was engaged in classroom instruction and missed the call. Brian was on one of the hijacked planes, and her mother-in-law quickly informed her through the phone. Julie got his message when she got home, though.
The 9/11 attacks had already resulted in the deaths of approximately 3,000 people, including Brian Sweeney, at that point. Numerous Americans, including Julie, were saddened.
Why Julie Sweeney Released Her Husband’s 9/11 Voicemail
To support other bereaved families, Julie Sweeney decided to release Brian Sweeney’s farewell message to the world in 2002.
She admitted, “There are still times when I cry and listen to his words. It’s still a part of who I am, and I still have a lot of healing to do.
She did, however, think that his final remarks were significant and could offer solace to those whose loved ones perished on United Airlines Flight 175.
“I appreciate it. She later remarked, “I’m very grateful for that message. Because at least I am certain of what he was thinking, she said. I felt at ease hearing him speak calmly. And it has great power. With that message, he made some quite potent comments.
Julie Sweeney Roth has heeded Brian’s advice since the unfortunate event that led to his passing. Since then, Julie has had a second marriage and two kids. At the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where she helps, she makes friends with other survivors and tries to preserve Brian’s memory. She has a fulfilling existence.
Brian Sweeney’s Last Message to His Wife
Brian here, Jules. Listen, the plane I’m onboard has been hijacked. I adore you no matter what happens and how things turn out. I want you to succeed and have fun. The same to my parents and everyone else, and I just really, really love you. I’ll see you when you arrive. Adieu, baby. I hope to call you.
Also read: The Heroic Story of Pete Davidson’s Dad Who Died on 9/11
