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 each day passes, and each year comes off the calendar, we pull further away from that horrific day, and it becomes increasingly vital to preserve its memory. One of the events on that horrific day was a flight that started from Newark International Airport, was headed to San Francisco and hijacked in flight to become a weapon of destruction used that day. However, a group of brave passengers took extraordinary measures, sacrificing their lives to prevent further catastrophe, leading to United Airlines Flight 93 crashing into a field in the peaceful hills of Southwest Pennsylvania. This quiet town of Shanksville would later gain international recognition. The actions of those brave souls have been immortalized into the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA, which stands as a dignified and respectful tribute, honoring the bravery of the flight that fought back.
This post was originally published on September 11, 2024.
The Drive to Shanksville
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 below features a park ranger discussing the events of that day while linking them to elements of the interior museum as we were waiting to enter. My visit coincided with the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and 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.
Start at the Visitor Center Complex
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.
Walking Through Memorial Plaza
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.
Why You Should Visit the Flight 93 National Memorial
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.
The Flight 93 National Memorial is free to visit year round, and the Visitor Center Complex Museum is open 9am-5pm everyday, but closed on three major holidays (New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). The Memorial Grounds are open sunrise-sunset, including all holidays – weather permitting.
How to Get to the Flight 93 National Memorial
The Flight 93 National Memorial is located at the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the rural area of Southwestern Pennsylvania. While it will be a considerable drive, it is worth the drive to visit. It is accessible from both Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. Specifically, it is about a 2-hour drive from Pittsburgh International Airport, which offers numerous direct flights across Canada and the United States. If you’re arriving from an international destination or a smaller city without direct flights to Pittsburgh, you might want to consider flying into Dulles International Airport in Virginia, located just outside Washington D.C., as it is a 3-hour drive from there. In either scenario, the journey features picturesque drives that highlight the stunning beauty of the region as you traverse the rolling Appalachian Mountains. Unfortunately, there is no train service available, so renting a vehicle will likely be necessary.
Places to Stay and Things to Do near the Flight 93 National Memorial
Despite being a rural area, there are numerous activities to partake in if you decide to spend a few days here, including some incredible National and State Parks. Here is a list of recommended activities according to Google Reviews:
- The Johnstown Flood National Memorial: This national park is situated at the site where the South Fork Dam would fail on Friday, May 31, 1889 and 20 millions gallons of water would rush into Johnstown, Pennsylvania killing over 2,000 people. This National Memorial stands the honor the victims of that unspeakable (and preventable) tragedy where you can visit the Club House, and 9 of the 16 cottages that managed to survive that flood. The Lake View Visitor Center offers two floors of exhibits and is free to visit, and is open 9am-5pm Friday-Tuesday, closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It is located 30 minutes away from the Flight 93 National Memorial on 733 Lake Rd in South Fork, PA.
- Laurel Hill State Park: Over 4,000 acres of preserved land, and a 63 acre Laurel Hill Lake acts as the centerpiece for this state park which includes hunting, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking and so much more. There is also an extensive trail network with numerous scenic views. The park is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, but some of the aforementioned activities are seasonal vs year round. The park is located on 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA, and is roughly 40 minutes from the Flight 93 National Memorial.
- Quecreek Mine Rescue Site: In 2002, 9 miners were trapped 240 feet below ground for a period of 77 hours in cold and darkness, and were rescued at this very site, and the site of the rescue now shows a 7 foot tall bronze statue, with the actual capsule used at the time of the rescue. The Educational Visitors Center is open on a seasonal basis from April through Thanksgiving, and open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm, but the Memorial Site is open dawn to dusk daily 365 days of the year. Admission to the visitor center is $8 for adults, $7 for veterans and kids get in for free. Bus tours are also available. It is located roughly 30 minutes from the Flight 93 National Memorial on 151 Haupt Rd in Somerset, PA.
If you decide to stay in the area, there are numerous hotels and vacation rentals in the area as shown below.