United CEO Oscar Munoz has penned a brief but beautiful note to employees concerning the tragedy in Manchester.
Dear Fellow Employees,
Along with the rest of the world, the eyes of 87,000 members of the United family are upon the city and citizens of Manchester, England, today. Our hearts and prayers are there as well, with all those grieving so terribly and so suddenly.
I spoke with our Manchester General Manager this morning who confirmed that all of our teammates are safe and accounted for, including our crew members. I assured her that we are standing by to offer whatever assistance we can lend during this time.
For more than two decades, United team members have flown the route connecting the United States to Manchester. Over those countless flights have arisen countless friendships; bonds of care, camaraderie and compassion; all feelings which have been stirred so powerfully by what we witnessed last night.
All of us at the United family send our deepest condolences to those affected by this terrible tragedy. And we will keep faith and keep vigil over this wonderful city, one which we love and are proud to serve.
With A Heavy Heart,
Oscar
The FA who shared this with me regularly works the Manchester route and added, “Although we are in a state of shock, we refuse to cower in fear.”
That’s not trite, that’s key. What happened in Manchester is barbaric and it becomes even more tragic if we start avoiding the city. The best way we can honor the lives of those lost is not to cower in fear. It’s time to visit Manchester.
(top image: www.Tecmark.co.uk / Creative Commons)
Matthew – Why do you call the note trite? I actually thought it was better than the typical of these statements.
I think it was a beautiful note. Just trite in the sense that we mourn for the loss of people we never knew. There is no better way to do it, but if we are honest (at least for me), I am so disconnected from Manchester that this incident does not resonate for me (like perhaps it should).
I think the confusion comes from “note trite” instead of “not trite” in the final paragraph.
Oscar does very well expressing himself after tragedies, as we’ve seen several times over the last year.
Oops. Another spelling error…fixed it. Thanks.