SHANKSVILLE – On Sept. 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 was one of four airliners hijacked in a terroristic attack against the United States. Two airliners struck the World Trade Center and one the Pentagon. Flight 93 was brought down in a field in rural Pennsylvania; it is believed that plane was headed to the United States’ Capitol. The passengers and crew of Flight 93 fought back against their captors, losing their lives, and saving countless others with their actions.
On Sunday, the masses turned out to the new Flight 93 National Memorial to remember and honor the actions of the Flight 93 crew and passengers.
President Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were on hand after the ceremony to lay a wreath at the Wall of Names. The Obamas spoke with members of the Flight 93 families and greeted others.
Speakers this year included Governors Tom Ridge and Tom Corbett, Congressmen Mark Critz and Bud Shuster and President of the Families of Flight 93 Gordon Felt.
Corbett said that people compare the Shanksville crash site to other places across the country, such as the Alamo.
“This place is like no other,” said Corbett.
He said the passengers and crew of Flight 93 charted a new course that day. He said they shortened their own lives to defend their nation.
“We know there are things more important than our own lives,” said Corbett. “… Freedom.”
Critz commented that he was too young for Pearl Harbor and that he was too young to remember JFK.
“I’ll never forget that day, September 11, 2001,” said Critz.
Critz said to look at the passengers and crew of Flight 93.
“These people realized this plane had no good intention. They stood up and took action.”
When it was Shuster’s turn to speak, he said “the horrific events and heroism … should always be remembered.” He also commented on how the passengers and crew defied their captors, taking a vote on whether to take action.
“Only in America would people take a vote … then act on it.”
When Ridge spoke, he began by addressing the crowd on behalf of the families of Flight 93. He said the crowds’ presence meant as much to the family as the memorial.
“Your very presence is a powerful message,” Ridge said to the crowd. This brought a standing ovation directred from the family members to the crowd.
Ridge also commented on the Flight 93 heroes.
“Ten years later … your acts still call to us … remind us to be our best selves.”
Felt, whose brother was on Flight 93, said he wished he could have gotten to know everyone under a different scenario. He stated that nothing frightens him more than the statement, “time heals all wounds.”
“Do we want our memories broken by the passage of time?”
“Let us never forget the horrors of Sept. 11,” said Felt. “Let us cherrish memories of all those we lose.”
John Hendricks, founder and chairman of Discovery Communications, was the keynote speaker for the day. He commented on Flight 93, and how the passengers and crew had to “confront the darkest side of humanity.”
“Today we remember the very special people aboard Flight 93.”
Hendricks said they had to overtake every instinct for self preservation.
“These aren’t the citizens who would sit still and cower,” said Hendricks. “These citizens rose in defiance from their seats.”
“We will always remember their values and their courage.”
(All photos Steven McDole and Arika Evans)
