Flight For Freedom

Mission

In the aftermath of the horrifying events of September 11, one thousand Oregonians boarded planes for New York City to lend support to its grief-stricken citizens and bolster an economy left dazed by the devastating blow it had been struck. Their trip became known as the Flight For Freedom, and in four short days these goodwill ambassadors from the Pacific Northwest came to understand the power of a simple gesture.

Flight For Freedom 2006 was an opportunity to renew friendships. To reflect on how mere minutes can dramatically alter lives and change a city, how four days can last forever. More importantly, it was an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to freedom, to celebrate our diversity, to recapture a spirit of unity and rejoice in the strength that is America, from sea to shining sea.

Trip Audio & Video

Mayor Vera Katz Memories of the Original Flight For Freedom

860 KPAM second segment on Flight For Freedom

Portlanders ring the bell at NY Stock Exchange

860 KPAM segment on Flight For Freedom

Kristen Dozono at Firehouse 23

Playing:

Trip Photos

October 6th: Sho addresses FFF 2006 at the Welcome Reception at the Waldorf

Trip Comments

Chris @ Melanie Hampton - October 17th, 2006 @ 9:17 pm

What an amazing experience! We will never forget how gracious and friendly New Yorkers were and the incredible experience we had on this trip. New York is truly a magical place and the people who organized and went on this trip, the perfect chaperones (drowsy or otherwise). We will forever remember the experiences and people who made Flight for Freedom a wonderful journey of hope, joy and healing.

Gary Silverstein - October 17th, 2006 @ 12:45 pm

It was a real privilege to join such a nice group of Oregonians for the Columbus Day Parade. Sho and Loen Dozono are my heroes for putting this together. Thank you so much for allowing a North Carolinian to be part of this experience.

sheryle hale - October 16th, 2006 @ 1:52 pm

What a trip. We had the best time.....ever. I did not get to participate in 2001, but am so thankful to be included in the 5 year anniversary trip. My sister Bobbie Bond pestered me daily and I finally gave in.... I am so glad I did. Very, very touching...truly uplifting, and inspirational. The New Yorkers certainly are a hardy bunch...almost as hardy as the Oregonians! This trip will forever be a cherished and shared memory with my dear sister, Bobbie and good friend Pat. We had a wonderful time. Thanks Dozono family for everything!

Debbie Blackmore - October 15th, 2006 @ 3:41 pm

Thanks to all who made this touching commemoration possible!! Great memories: the firefighters and Ground Zero, inspirational speeches and music, St. John the Divine, the Waldorf, the Parade, morning shows, new friends and of course, the Dozono “family”.

Mary Lee Marshall` - October 14th, 2006 @ 10:28 pm

I regretted so much not being able to join the 2001 group, and appreciate so much being able to share the 2006 experience. We met wonderful people from Oregon and from New York; thanks to the Dozonos and Azumano Travel for making it all possible.

Janice Zolezzi - October 14th, 2006 @ 4:52 pm

Thank you to all the organizers of the trip. It was just as great as our 2001 experience. All your hard work was and is appreciated! This 2006 trip will always have a special place in my heart because my boyfriend proposed to me. Thanks again!!!!

Pat Boyle - October 13th, 2006 @ 1:56 pm

So many memories and activities packed into just a few days. I savored every minute and appreciate all the planning and effort put forth by the Dozonos and the Azumano staff. The first 15 minutes of the Azumano Travel Show on AM 860 KPAM this weekend will focus on the Flight For Freedom. Tune in at 8am Saturday or 10am Sunday.

SUSAN PEAKE (THE DUCK) - October 13th, 2006 @ 1:11 pm

What a trip. Thank you so much Mr. & Mrs. Dozono and the incredible staff at Azumano Travel. I would also like to thank Kim (the tree) and Don Sullivan of A&J Custom Cabinets for funding this trip for me. So many cherished memories from this trip and so many wonderul people I met. Thanks again.

Jim & Debbie Ellis - October 13th, 2006 @ 8:13 am

This was an incredibly memorable, emotional and unforgettable trip. Kudos to the Azumano Travel staff and to the Dozono family for creating this priceless experience, which has linked us forever with New York and its citizens, from Billy Quick to Dave (the best tour operator on earth!), and to the CBS grip who thanked us tearfully for returning to his city.

Tana Jones-Lawrence - October 12th, 2006 @ 10:36 pm

I was not able to come on the first trip and was so excited when I realized that there was a 5 year trip coming up. I booked it as fast as I could and I must say that I had a FABULOUS time. You all did a terrfic job, I met great people, and it will be a trip and an adventure that I will cherish and never forget. Thank you so mcuh for all that made it possible. You are all true gems.

Sho - October 12th, 2006 @ 10:19 pm

The second trip was evry bit as good as the first. The Spirit shown by everyone was just amazing. The service at the Cathedral of the Church of St. John the Divine was an evening I will never forget. The march was exceptional as well. Thank you all for joining us .

Tina - October 12th, 2006 @ 8:41 am

Thanks to all of the Freedom Fliers for a GREAT trip! You represented the true spirit of Oregonians. I hope each of you had a chance to experience New York in a way that was meaningful to you.