Shanksville, Pennsylvania: A Place of Reflection on 9/11

A Somber Anniversary

September 11, 2023, marks the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks that forever changed the United States. Among the many sites of tragedy that day was Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after its passengers and crew fought back against the hijackers.

A Symbol of Resilience

In the years since the attacks, Shanksville has become a symbol of both the heroism and resilience of those who faced unimaginable terror. The Flight 93 National Memorial, dedicated in 2011, honors the memory of the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives that day.

The memorial's centerpiece is a 93-foot-tall tower, representing the flight number. The tower is surrounded by a field of 40 trees, one for each victim.

Honoring the Victims

Visitors to the memorial can walk among the trees, read the names of the victims, and learn about their stories. They can also visit the Wall of Names, which lists all 40 passengers and crew members, and the Memorial Plaza, which features a reflecting pool and a stone wall with the words "We Will Never Forget."

The Flight 93 National Memorial is a powerful reminder of the events of September 11, 2001. It is a place where visitors can reflect on the lives lost that day, honor the heroism of the passengers and crew, and find hope in the midst of tragedy.