SHANKSVILLE, Pa. — Last Saturday, I went home to Pennsylvania to spend time with my mom and brother and he and I visited the Flight 93 national memorial in Shanksville. It was my second time there but first since the visitor center was opened.
The memorial, located just 45 minutes from my hometown, is a poignant tribute to the heroes of Flight 93, considered to be the first effort to strike back against the terrorists on September 11, 2001. What an amazing place to see and learn about the heroes of that flight.
The park offers free admission and is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Pennsylvania or heading to the East Coast. The stories and sacrifices of the passengers and crew are deeply moving and serve as a powerful reminder of their bravery.
The stunning Visitor Center draws you in immediately, offering a direct view into the crash site. Built in the direct flight path of the plane, it stands as a powerful reminder of the events of that fateful day.
Our guide shared stunning stories during a very informative half-hour program. I highly recommend downloading the National Park Service app to find out when such programs are available.
The view from the visitor center looks straight into the crash site, with the words "A common field one day. A field of honor forever." etched on a clear glass wall, encapsulating the spirit of the memorial.
Moving around the grounds, several landmarks provide touchpoints to make sure visitors never forget what happened that September day.
A large boulder sits on the exact spot where Flight 93 crashed. This site is considered sacred ground, forever etched in the history of our country.
This gate leads to the crash site, a place reserved for the families of the victims. The crash site is visible through the slats of the gate, offering a solemn view of the final resting place of the heroes.
The Wall of Names is one of the most poignant parts of the memorial. Each of the 40 heroes has a section of the wall, a testament to their courage and sacrifice.
I have read extensively about Tom Burnett, one of the passengers who fought back against the terrorists. His wife, Deena, and their three young daughters have worked tirelessly to keep his memory alive, along with the memories of the other passengers and crew.
Our visit came just days after the 9/11 anniversary, and family members had left notes and mementos at the memorial. One note read, "Our dearest Jason, We'll love you forever and always. Miss you so much. You are our hero... Love, Matt, Lowill and Deb, Carol and Bill, Joan and Don, Sheryl and all of our families."
The Tower of Voices, visible as you enter the park, features a large wind chime for each victim. Winds must be above 12 mph to hear them, and given the windy location, there's a good chance you'll hear them during your visit.
