A Place of Remembrance

While on vacation this past week, I made a stop at the Flight 93 Memorial, near Stoystown, in rural southern Pennsylvania.

 

For those who don't remember that fateful flight on Sept. 11, 2001, the forty courageous people prevented al-Qaeda terrorists from crashing a United Airlines jet into the nation's capitol.

The memorial is a work in progress but already reaches into the hearts and souls of those who stop and pay their respects. It is quiet and solemn, a place for contemplation and reflection about that infamous day in American history.

Along the walkway to the Wall of Names are benches to view the field where the jet fell from the sky. There are places where visitors have left small flags, trinkets, coins and other small items to show their gratitude.

The Wall of Names includes the names of the flight crew and passengers. And from that point is a gate that leads to the final resting place for these courageous victims that only family members can visit.

As part of the ongoing work, more than 13,000 trees are being planted on 40 groves to honor the fallen heroes. A visitor and learning center is part of the second phase that is expected to be completed in two years. The final phase will include a Tower of Voices with 40 wind chimes.

For those interested in donating to the project, visit the Flight 93 National Memorial website.

Until the next time…