Monday ceremony for public, families
With visitation to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville heavily increased this year, officials are expecting to see a larger crowd during Monday’s fifth anniversary commemoration ceremony. “Our visitation has increased by 50 percent. Last year, we had 130,000. We’re coming close to 200,000 this year,’ said Barbara Black, curator. “We think it’s because of the United Flight 93 movie, the fifth anniversary and other TV docudramas and a heightened sense of the war in Iraq.’
The ceremony, which begins at 9:30 a.m., is using the theme “United in Courage, Community & Commitment.” It honors the heroic 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 who gave their lives to thwart a planned attack on the nation’s capital on Sept. 11, 2001, as terrorists assaulted the United States.
Joanne Hanley, superintendent of the Flight 93 National Memorial, stated in a release, “This year, we’re expecting more people than ever at the ceremony because of the fifth anniversary. Visitation to the site has increased in the recent months leading up to this year’s commemoration ceremony. In June alone, we had almost 20,000 visitors from all 50 states and more than 24 countries.’
Participants in the ceremony will include Gov. Ed Rendell; Tom Ridge, who was governor of Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, and became the first secretary of the US. Department of Homeland Security; and Hamilton Peterson, son of passengers Donald and Jean Peterson and president of Families of Flight 93.
On a local note, the Spring Valley Children’s Choir from the Bruderhof in Farmington will sing two songs at the end of the ceremony with the North Star Kids from Pittsburgh.
Several hundred family members are expected to attend the event and President George W. Bush will meet privately with them after the ceremony.
“This is a private visit and not open to the public,’ Black said of the president’s appearance.
The ceremony will take place down the hill from the Flight 93 Temporary Memorial Site on Skyline Drive at the gravel pad where other ceremonies have been held in the past. Black said the public must enter on Lambertsville Road just off Route 30. They will be directed to a parking area where they can catch a shuttle for a short ride to the memorial service area.
Continuous shuttles will begin running at 7 a.m. but will be shut down during the ceremony. Handicapped-accessible parking with a valid permit is available.
The public should plan to be at the ceremony tent no later than 9 a.m.
The event begins with a prelude at 9:15 a.m. The ceremony will start at 9:30 a.m. and is scheduled to last until 10:45 a.m.
It will include traditional reading of names of the passengers and crew, tolling of bells, music and remarks.
The public is permitted to bring small folding chairs but no coolers or bags of any type.
Black said that after the ceremony, people will be shuttled back to their cars near the temporary memorial and if they need something to eat or drink, it can be left in their cars.
Only service animals are permitted.
Appropriate but casual clothing is recommended.
Black said, “People should dress comfortably. They will be outside. It’s always windy and cooler here. We’re up in the mountains.’
The temporary memorial will be open and people are permitted to visit it after the ceremony. There are designated areas adjacent to the temporary memorial for any person or group planning their own personal ceremonial tribute and other areas for First Amendment activities. Visitors must call ahead to the National Park Service office at 814-443-4557 to schedule.
The park service explained in a release: “The Flight 93 temporary memorial is located at the Flight 93 crash site near rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County. There, a 40-foot chain-link fence currently serves as a backdrop for tributes left by visitors from around the world who travel to Shanksville to pay their respects. The tributes are being cared for by the National Park Service and are being archived for future exhibition, study and other educational purposes.
“The permanent Flight 93 National Memorial will be constructed at this site and will serve to honor the heroism, courage and enduring sacrifice of the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93. It will tell the story of the extraordinary acts of the passengers and crew, and will be a place for individuals to learn about the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and find meaning and inspiration in their experience. The final design selection for the permanent national memorial was announced on Sept. 7, 2005, in Washington, D.C., and can be viewed at www.honorflight93.org.
“When completed, the Flight 93 National Memorial will encompass 2,200 acres of land, of which almost 1,300 acres will be dedicated to the design features and 900 acres will be protected through partnerships and scenic easements. The National Park Service is the steward of the Flight 93 National Memorial.’