Flight 93 - America Remembers

"A common field one day. A field of honor forever. May all who visit this place remember the collective acts of courage and sacrifice of the passengers and crew, revere this hallowed ground as the final resting place of those heroes, and reflect on the power of individuals who choose to make a difference." -- Preamble to the Mission Statement for the Flight 93 National Memorial, Captain Stephen Ruda, LA Fire Department

The entire nation pauses today to mark the eigth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with ceremonies and remembrances around the country, including the annual memorial ceremony in nearby Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge will be on hand to remember the heroes of Flight 93 at the annual morning remembrance ceremony at the temporary memorial site on Skyline Road. The somber memorial will also include the traditional reading of names, tolling of bells and laying of wreaths.

Eight years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the remote field where United Airlines Flight 93 went down has been reclaimed by nature. Wildflowers bloom, birds sing, grass and trees bend in the breeze. It's tranquil - a site of peace, and of renewed hope. A stark contrast to the scene eight years ago, when the Flight 93 passengers fought back against four terrorists who had hijacked their flight. During the struggle, the plane crashed upside down into the field near Shanksville, PA, at 580 mph, thwarting a planned attack against our nation's Capital. Those 40 heroes of Flight 93 saved countless lives with their bravery and courage, sacrificing their own in the first battle in the war on terrorism.

Eight years later, plans are still underway for the Flight 93 National Memorial, a national park dedicated to the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. The permanent Flight 93 National Memorial will, hopefully, be dedicated on September 11, 2011, the 10-year anniversary of that tragic day. After years of on-and-off negotiation, one big hurdle has finally been negotiated -- the Park Service has acquired the land where the plane crashed through eminent domain, although the court still has to set the price for the crash site parcel. In November, earth movers and road builders will begin work on a permanent memorial. Only a small part will likely be completed by the 10th anniversary of 9/11, however. The visitor's center, an entry portal, a walkway bordered by groves of red maple and sugar maple trees, and a tower of wind chimes aren't likely to open before 2014, says John Reynolds, chairman of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission, charged by Congress with creating the memorial alongside the park service. The schedule for completing those elements depends on the success of private fundraising, according to the Park Service.

While fundraising for the Flight 93 Memorial has taken a hit right along with the recession, family members are still working hard to raise the needed funds for the permanent memorial. A flyer appeared in my mailbox a few weeks ago, and a check went out in the mail for $93. If you would like to help, donations are being gathered through the 93 cents for Flight 93 campaign.

Despite the isolation of the field where Flight 93 went down, 136,000 people visited the temporary Flight 93 memorial last year, leaving notes, flags and other keepsakes. Pretty amazing when you consider that Shanksville, the nearest town, is home to less than 300. A place of enormous suffering and incredible peace - it just draws you somehow.