(The Flight 93 National Memorial was created to honor the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 who were lost on September 11, 2001, after fighting the plane’s hijackers. On September 24, 2002, Congress unanimously passed the Flight 93 National Memorial Act (P.L. 107-226). The Act “established a Memorial at the September 11, 2001, crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pa., designating the final resting place to honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93.“)
Two decades after September 11, the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset, Pa., observed the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, and honored the 40 passengers and crew members who were aboard United Airlines Flight 93 that fateful day.
Dan DiLella, chairman of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission which is leading the America250 effort, was an invited guest for events supporting the anniversary. On the eve of September 10, he joined the ‘Luminaria’ lantern procession hosted by Friends of Flight 93.
The next morning, he attended the annual observance that attracted visitors from around the world and a significant media contingency. At 10:03 a.m. – the moment Flight 93 crashed into the nearby field – the names of the passengers and crew members were read, the Bells of Remembrance were rung in their memory, and a wreath was placed at the Wall of Names.
In attendance to provide remarks were former President George W. Bush, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, Gordon Felt, brother of passenger Edward Porter Felt, Park Superintendent Stephen Clark, and Captain Dave Kurtz, commanding officer of the USS Somerset.
“Twenty years ago, terrorists chose a random group of Americans, on a routine flight, to be collateral damage in a spectacular act of terror. The 33 passengers and seven crew of Flight 93 could have been any group of citizens selected by fate. In a sense, they stood in for us all. The terrorists soon discovered that a random group of Americans is an exceptional group of people.”
Former President George W. Bush
At the conclusion of the wreath-laying, family members walked through the ceremonial gate to the crash site where they were joined by Vice President Harris.
America250 Honors 9/11: America250 and the NFL are teaming up for a multi-year awards program celebrating Americans who exemplify the American spirit. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of September 11, this year the America250 Awards will recognize three exceptional Americans whose heroic actions were inspired by the historic events that took place that day. The 2021 America250 Awards will recognize three categories of heroes: 9/11 Heroes, First Responders, and Community Champions. Nominations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on October 10, 2021.
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.