Shanksville's Memorial: An Unlikely 9/11 Landmark

On September 11, 2001, our lives changed forever. I was a young college student at the time and I could remember the day as if it was yesterday. The horrific images broadcasted on television are indelibly seared in my mind, transporting me back to that moment when I was absorbing the unfolding tragedy. As we now pull further away from that horrific day, it becomes increasingly vital to preserve its memory. In the Fall of 2020, amidst the ongoing global pandemic, I took a solo trip to Pittsburgh, PA. I wanted to take a road trip to the Football Hall of Fame in Ohio and visit the history museums, and experience the city. But one day, I took a 90 minute trip through the rolling hills of Southwest Pennsylvania to this idyllic, charming small town that gained worldwide recognition thanks to a handful of brave souls who sacrificed their lives to prevent their flight from becoming another weapon of destruction. The Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA stands as a dignified and respectful tribute, honoring the bravery of the flight that fought back.

My day driving to Shanksville, PA took place on a pleasant, sunny day in mid-October. Nearly two decades had passed since September 11th, and while I had visited the 9/11 Museum in New York City, I had yet to see the Pentagon site or this location. The drive was stunning, showcasing vibrant autumn colors in the trees. As I traveled, I was reminded of the beauty of rural America, characterized by its farms and gentle hills. Upon arriving at the site in the early afternoon, I made my way toward the museum. The profound silence that enveloped the area upon my arrival left a lasting impression on me.

The video above features a park ranger discussing the events of that day while linking them to elements of the interior museum. During my visit in the Fall of 2020, which coincided with the Covid pandemic, there were capacity limits enforced for entering the museum, necessitating a wait outside as the line progressed. Fortunately, the line moved swiftly, allowing us to enjoy the advantage of entering a less crowded space. Recently, VeryTastyWorld shared an updated post about visiting Machu Picchu, noting that the site now limits daily visitors to 4,500, a measure that continues in the post-Covid era. This prompts reflection on that period and the persistence of certain restrictions.

As you navigate the Visitor Center Complex, you will encounter a diverse array of exhibits featuring quotes, photographs, artifacts, and videos. This collection serves as a poignant reminder of the events of that day, while also providing a more profound exploration through the perspective of Flight 93. Additionally, there are interactive elements to engage visitors. However, this is just one aspect of the entire site.

Following my visit to the Visitor Center Complex museum, I proceeded to explore the Memorial Plaza. From there, I gained an elevated perspective of the crater, which is notably deep. The crater remains untouched, and although the debris has been cleared away, the area has been preserved in its original state. Regrettably, I was unable to capture a photograph.

There are three walking trails that were built in a horseshoe formation surrounding the memorial site, and the trails will be adorned with a series of 40 memorial groves, known as the Resiliency Project, to honor the heroes on that flight:

In April 2024, Flight 93 National Memorial started a ten-year project to revitalize the trees within the 40 Memorial Groves. The National Park Service and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial initiated the first phase of a public-private campaign to restore the living tribute to the Flight 93 crew members and passengers.

The 40 Memorial Groves and Allée (a tree lined trail) use 2,000 deciduous trees to define the open field where Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001. This 30-acre landscape feature was planted to honor each of the 40 passengers and crew members aboard Flight 93.

Each year, on September 11th, a variety of events and memorial services take place, including a profoundly moving "Moment of Remembrance." Should you plan your visit to coincide with September 11th, you will have the opportunity to participate in these significant events.

The Flight 93 National Memorial serves as an excellent reminder of the horrific events of that day, and the sacrifice made by ordinary people placed under extraordinary circumstances. Thankfully, I did not lose any family or friends that day, nor in the subsequent years due to the aftermath of the cleanup at that location. However, my heart still breaks for the families who lost mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. Those families will never be the same, no matter how far away we get. As the years roll onward, moving further away from that day of horror, it becomes increasingly crucial not to forget. We owe it to the thousands who lost their lives, to the families forever altered by grief, and to the heroes who rose in the face of adversity. Remembering serves as a solemn nod to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the fragility of peace.