9/11 and the Art of Happiness: An Australian Story

On 11 September 2001, Simon Kennedy’s mum boarded flight AA777 to begin her return to Australia after completing a much-planned holiday of America. All passengers on board were killed in the foiled attempt to crash into the Pentagon.

In 9/11 and the Art of Happiness: An Australian Story, local comedian Simon Kennedy remembers his mum and reveals unheard of details about the trauma family members endure in the aftermath of a global terrorist attack. Disbelief mingles briefly with hope. Airline officials are in constant attention, offering cheques along with solace. Upgrades to fly first class are issued on a regular basis. FBI officials pay cordial visits and invitations constantly flow to official US memorial and anniversary services. However, the aftermath remains and ten years later there is not one hour of the day when Simon is not reminded, in some way, by the media, of the 9/11 attack.