UK terror attack hero invited to 9/11 ceremony

Terror attack hero John Smeaton sets off for the US today to take part in a ceremony marking the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The baggage handler, who found worldwide fame after his courage during the terror attack on Glasgow Airport, has been invited to this year’s commemoration service at the World Trade Centre in New York.

The 31-year-old, from Renfrewshire, was pushed into the limelight after he raced to help when a burning Jeep was driven into the airport terminal.

During a TV interview immediately afterwards, he won respect around the world with his laid-back Glaswegian patter.

In a global broadcast, he described how his first thoughts on being confronted by the two suspects in the burning vehicle were: “What’s the score? I’ve got to get this sorted.”

The ceremony at Ground Zero on Tuesday will remember the thousands who lost their lives when two planes crashed into the Twin Towers and one into the Pentagon in 2001.

Important figures from US politics will attend, including New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rudolph Giuliani, who was mayor at the time of the attacks.

Mr Smeaton has been invited by the American Scottish Foundation, an organisation which aims to build links between Scots and US citizens.

Sir Richard Branson has also offered him free flights on Virgin Atlantic.

During his visit he will be feted by congressmen in Washington, DC and take part in a round of TV and newspaper interviews.

He will also attend a reception organised by the foundation at Scotland House, on Madison Avenue.

Alan Bain, president of the foundation, said: “Our organisation has always highlighted the best qualities of Scots and Scots Americans and John Smeaton captured the hearts of the world with his show of bravery.

“Our members are thrilled at the opportunity of meeting a modern Scottish hero.”

Since the attacks, praise has poured in for the unassuming baggage handler, launching the cult of “Smeatomania”.

A website was set up in his honour, aiming to raise enough money to buy him 1,000 pints of beer.

At £3 (€4) a pint, sufficient cash was donated to buy him 1,400 pints – but he gave the money to war veterans.

He was recently hailed a “hero” by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a meeting at Downing Street, and there have been indications he may receive an honour for his courageous deeds.

And T-shirts have even been produced, bearing his face and the question: “What would John Smeaton do?”