South Pasadena Honors Family Who Perished on 9/11

Hanson's plane was the second to crash into the World Trade Center

From STAFF REPORTS
Published: Sunday, September 11, 2011 | 11:00 AM

Plaque dedicated in Memory of South Pasaden local Sue Kim Hanson and her family

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 35-year old Sue Kim Hanson boarded a Boeing 767 United Airlines flight 175 together with her husband Peter Hanson and their 2 ½ -year-old daughter Christine, from Boston en route to Los Angeles. Sue was a local product, a graduate of South Pasadena High School. The family was supposed to have a good time in Disneyland and then visit Sue’s relatives. They never made it to their destinations.

At around 9:03 a.m. on that tragic day, armed men belonging to Osama bin Laden’s terror network Al Qaida hijacked their plane and crashed it into the south side of the southern tower of the World Trade Center between the 78th and 84th floors. The plane exploded on impact killing all its 56 passengers, including the five hijackers and nine crew members.

South Pasadena Mayor Mike Ten led the rememberance service

Hanson’s plane was the second to crash into the World Trade Center and the shocked world could only watch in horror as the image of the plane’s impact was played by live TV and broadcast.

South Pasadena Mayor Mike Ten lead South Pasadena’s annual September 11th remembrance service at the City Hall courtyard. This year, the 10th anniversary, Ten dedicated a plaque in memory of Sue Kim Hanson.

Sue Kim Hanson’s family and friends shared memories of her, and Mayor Ten dedicated the memorial plaque, which was installed on the wall of City Hall in the courtyard.

In addition, a special presentation was made by members of SPHS Class of 1984.

Family members of Kim view the plaque

Kevin Danni, a former South Pasadena resident who escaped from one of the Towers the day of the event, also spoke to the more than 80 people in attendance and shared his memories.

The National Anthem was sung by South Pasadena High School graduate Sara Charney and South Pasadena City Councilman Philip Putnam gave the invocation. The service concluded with a musical performance by John Mc Donald of the Pasadena Scottish Pipes & Drums.