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The Forgotten Memorial of United Flight 93

The Forgotten Memorial of United Flight 93

A live webcam shot of the Flight 93 Memorial site, taken from http://www.honorflight93.org/memorial/construction/?fa=live-webcam

With so much recent talk about the Ground Zero mosque, the national 9/11 memorial being erected in Lower Manhattan has received significant attention. Rightly so — the museum as well as the actual memorials (there are technically two) are slated to be beautiful tributes to the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001.

But three hundred miles west, and about a five hour car ride down I-78, there’s another 9/11 memorial that’s been largely ignored. Not just by the media, but seemingly by everyone.

Recently, Bob Sullivan took a trip to Shanksville, PA and the field where United flight 93 crashed after a group of passengers struggled for control of their hijacked plane. There, the juxtaposition between the New York site and what should have been by now the Pennsylvania site couldn’t have been more obvious: “Today, the spot in Shanksville, Pa., where the plane slammed into the earth remains a largely unrecognizable patch of dirt.” And while it will be dressed up for this weekend’s memorial service, Sullivan recognizes that the mask will still have to come off and expose what the memorial really is, “a barely active construction site.”

Sullivan’s initial reaction says it all: “This is our tribute to these heroes?” And he explains how it got to be this way:

The rest of the story will probably sound familiar to you, even if the details are not.  While Congress passed a law authorizing creation of a memorial a year after 9/11, the National Park Service and the Families of Flight 93 spent the better part of the next nine years working to acquire the the crash site for the memorial. The process did not go smoothly. At one point, the park service had to move the temporary memorial when a mining company that owned the land where it had been erected tried to solicit donations from visitors.  After years of bickering, the federal government threatened to use eminent domain to take the land in 2008, which finally persuaded several local coal companies to sell. In the meantime, the park service and the coal companies argued over who would clean up the manganese left over from prior mining activities.  After the design for the memorial was chosen in 2005, protestors — led by a family member of a Flight 93 victim — complained that the plans include hidden pro-Islamic messages. Work on the memorial finally began in 2009, but stopped almost immediately when a New Jersey construction company challenged the bidding process.

Read the entire story, including Sullivan‘s profile of a victim’s family member who continues to be optimistic about the memorial.

According to Sullivan, the Flight 93 Memorial, estimated to cost $58 million, is being built through a combination of private and government funds. While funding for phase one is complete, another $15 million is needed to begin work on phase two. Donations are accepted at HonorFlight93.org.

Comments (91)

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  • RoseAnnaDanna
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 1:07pm

    I am not as concerned that the memorial is not completed as I am that it should not be in any way, shape or form representative as symbol to Islam. From what I have read there is only one father fighting the design. If true, that is sad.

    Eventually there will be a memorial for the brave souls of Flight 93 but I am reminded that it took almost 60 years before the WWII memorial was built and dedicated. Waaaay too long but it is beautiful as will be the one for Flight 93 if that father can continue to press on regarding the horrible design that is being put forth.

    Report Post » RoseAnnaDanna  
    • killray
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:09pm

      it is a beautiful memorial because it was for the greatest generation… and if this happen in there time the towers would be built again BIGGER AND BETTER and there would be a memorial on the Mall for the victims of 911 and for flight 93

      Report Post »  
    • Midwest Belle
      Posted on September 11, 2010 at 1:24pm

      AFter having looked up the proposed design, I agree – the Memorial should be built but NOT as it’s currently designed.

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • ninecarpileup
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:57pm

    I disagree with the poster who said “It shouldn’t be anything grand, just a small memorial with the names like a grave marker.”

    It should be grand, it should be a great spectacle for all our detractors to see. It should proclaim to all that America is the greatest country on earth. It should convey the courage, spirit, and above all the faith that we have in each other and OUR GOD. It should tell all our enemies, you came to our shores, but you did not conquer us and never will.

    That is what I call a monument. A simple marker with names on it, is like pretending it did not happen, and we are ashamed of who and what we are.

    Report Post » ninecarpileup  
  • Lion420
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:53pm

    So…this is what we’ve come to? The bad guys get a trophy on the site of their biggest success, while we do nothing in honor of the people who died.

    Report Post » Lion420  
  • The_Truth
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:49pm

    Educate yourselves on Islam, read the Koran and I personally would be hardpressed for any of you to relaize Islam is the antithesis of Christianity. The Bible teaches peace, respect each other and forgiveness, Islam teaches take revenge and oppress, if one chooses not to accept Islam accept through force or kill.

    We are headed for a holy war of epic proportions, get your minds right

    Report Post »  
  • PhilipJames
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:43pm

    This is the next memorial to get into the spotlight. Why? I am sure most of the readers here are not aware that the memorial is in the shape of the crescent and points directly to Mecca.
    Not aware of that?
    Gee…. wonder why…. could it be because you only read the lame stream media and they have ignored this?
    http://zombietime.com/flight_93_memorial_project/
    Well, just wait. You will be hearing about the stupidity of the design of this memorial very soon.

    Report Post »  
  • Bob Swanson
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:43pm

    You have murdered and dumbed down our children. Robbed us of our livelyhood. Rubbed your nasty preverted bodies at us and molested our children. You have lied about our history. You have said everything we love is evil and you pay big money to old celebrities to further insult us . You believe there is no such thing as goodness, therefore you attack it. It will be awful when payment comes due for your crimes. I love living in this current time as America will no longer die a slow agonizing death. We are awake and we are coming for you. Lets Roll. God Bless America

    Report Post »  
  • Supreme Galooti
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:43pm

    A small marker with the names of the fallen – but NOT the names of the jihadi terrorists – would suffice. Others have suggested this, and I concur. If it is STILL a ring of markers forming a crescent pointed toward Mecca, I suggest replacing that with a baseball diamond pointed toward Cooperstown.

    I do not believe that Islam is even a religion. It is a cult of EVIL built around the memory of a psychopathic pederast. Muslims are tools of evil incarnate. A pox on their house and all their progeny.

    Report Post » Supreme Galooty  
  • T-PAR-T BILL
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:40pm

    ”Lets Roll”

    Report Post »  
  • Bob Swanson
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:34pm

    We are the ignorant and the unwashed. We are not as understanding or loving as are our “leaders and news people. We are steaks on their plate. Pray to God we lowly people never rise up. It will be swift and bloody. IT WILL BE SWIFT AND BLOODY.

    Report Post »  
  • jessieH
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:33pm

    It just doesn’t seem right to be building mosques before we build the memorials to our heroes. What has our country become? Are we really that afraid of the terrorists?

    Report Post »  
  • NplainsmenN
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:29pm

    Monumental sacrifice of life and / or effort by both military
    AND civilian in the defense for our freedoms should be memorialized so we won’t forget the sacrifices given by few for everyone. Their sacrifice should be revered.

    Report Post » NplainsmenN  
  • danyelle55
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:27pm

    I will never donate to the “Crescent of Embrace” memorial…that is a red crescent aligned with mecca!! How in the world did the National park service choose this design and not see the correlation!!! (And we are going to PAY for this!! )
    http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2010/07/911-hero-family-member-ground-zero-mosque-is-the-second-mosque-being-built-on-a-911-site-.html

    It is a shame that an honorable memorial has not been chosen/ been completed by now!!! Nine years later!!

    PS. The United 93 “Crescent of Embrace” was/is slated for completion on 9/11/11, the same day that the Ground zero mosque was originally set for completion!!

    Who needs extremists when we have the National Park Service!?

    Report Post »  
  • merrygale
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:25pm

    This is one of the saddest stories I’ve ever read. Yes, real heroes died here. Real heroes who did the right thing when America most needed them. Shame on anyone who has used it for political gain. We cannot allow these liberal fools to control the dialogue any longer. We must do the right thing for these brave Americans.

    Report Post » merrygale  
  • attitudijudi
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:25pm

    We can send an Imam with taxpayers money funded by the State Department (Clinton) for a the Middle East tour (isn’t this an ambassadors job?) to battle fundamentalism (huh?) but the memorial for Flight 93 has not been erected. Boy is this country royally screwed up. Did this Imam get paid for this trip? If he did the money will help build the mosque building at Ground Zero which will be taxpayers money.

    Report Post »  
  • Grandpa
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:47am

    Isn’t it shovel-ready? Real heroes died here

    Report Post »  
  • Seagal45
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:46am

    Having to rely on the government to get anything done is nuts, surely private citizens could do a much better job and get it done quicker. It’s a disgrace that the twin towers have not been replaced yet nor the church that was nearly destroyed near the site completed. Funny how a mosque can get the go-ahead but a church that was already there can’t get the city to clear the way to help them complete repairs. What a joke!

    Report Post »  
  • 123halle
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:43am

    we the people will never forget even if the mainstream lib madia does

    Report Post »  
  • pucker
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:30am

    Always in my heart! I will never forget! God bless the families who lost loved ones. May peace be with them.

    Report Post » pucker  
  • ASmallVoice
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:26am

    I will never forget, but the future generations will if there is not something there to remind them…9/11 has been used for political gain, for propaganda, for everything but what is was…“an act of war”, by radical men who hate everything America stands for!

    Please people don’t let this project fade away…put something there that will withstand time and live to honor those who gave their lives that terrible day!

    I can’t believe how long it has take in NYC to build something at the Twin Towers site…what about at the Pentagon?

    I love my America and I say “God Bless Her”!!!

    Report Post » ASmallVoice  
  • Bic
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:17am

    Is it still shaped like a big ugly islamic cresent?

    Report Post »  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 1:36pm

      it is still designed to be a huge 150-acre open air victory mosque celebrating their “victory” over the hallowed grave of our 40 AMERICAN heroes who rushed Flight 93′s cockpit that day. it has huge terraces facing east for them to kneel down on — more joyously after they’ve conquered America, the proposed “windchime” towers are nothing but crescent topped 93′ minarets, and it is even called THE CRESCENT OF EMBRACE” and is nothing but a huge red islamic crescent. it is an ATROCITY.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • Bic
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 2:53pm

      since it looks like it will be nothing but a outdoor victory mosque then I hope the government goes broke and end up selling the land to someone with a bulldozer and patriotic agenda– and of course a videocamera.

      Report Post »  
    • RayGone
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 5:27pm

      I wonder which Moron Approved the design???

      It was approved sometime in 2005 by some kook in the White house……

      Report Post »  
  • Joseph
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:11am

    It would be good if Mr. Beck started a donation to by part of the land and make it a park with a memorial bought by the citizens, not the Obama administration! Lets do it!!!

    Report Post »  
    • TerriLPN
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:29am

      Famous Words of Todd Beamer, on that Unforgettable Day That Changed America and Americans Resolve, “Let’s Roll”! Joseph, That is a Grand Idea!

      Report Post » TerriLPN  
    • Joseph
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:42am

      It souldn’t be anything grand, just a small memorial with the names like a grave marker. And if any of the famialies of the vitims object to it, then their names won’t be added, but just “ ”, to mark a name. I’m sure the farmer that owns the land would cooperate.

      Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:51am

      i’m down. that’s a good idea.

      Report Post » MrButcher  
    • SheriS
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 1:01pm

      I am a little outraged that you would feel it is Glenn Beck’s responsiblity to take the lead on this. First, the families are the ones who have been wronged by the delays and our supposed government is doing little if anything t help these families who have given so much! There should be a committee of citizens working with the families of those lost reaching out to all American citizens to help in this! Our current government is a total waste and would never be the ones to do anything to help these families as O would no doubt consider this old news! GET OVER IT–WE WILL NEVER GET OVER IT!

      Report Post »  
    • Joseph
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 2:09pm

      SheriS,
      Then lets get something started to help the families also! Gee…what was the other part of 8/28?, and why is the Pakastani Amasitor asking Glenn Beck to ask jones to stop the burnning? Maybe you don’t like the fact that people look to Glenn for leadership, why? BECAUSE HE HAS A NATIONAL PLATFORM!!! Why do you just want to for get? Why are you telling us to forget? Why are you twisting my words by saying I stated it was Mr. Becks responsibillity? Why are you outraged for me making a request for Glenn to consider in one side of your mouth, and then say it’s up to the Government on the other side. Are you a Moonbat? I think so, because you took a nice sugestion and turned it into something dirty and wrong. Only Moonbats do this. Your whole statement basically reads, nothings was done, nothing will be done, it’s a whole waste,but then we need to do something, but it’s better to forget it all.

      What was the message of 8/28 SheriS? Was it… Faith, Hope, and Charity???
      Maybe some of us here belive in it, and also have “DREAMS” like MLK?
      Maybe some of us are looking for answers, and true leaders?
      Maybe some of us want to get past the dispair and anger, and turn to faith.
      Maybe some of us will come together with beautiful thoughts so we can live together as americans we should be.

      But no SheriS,Maybe some of us are just dreaming fools looking for an ideal like the founders had that will never work…

      NOT!

      Report Post »  
  • GUT_CHECK
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:08am

    Have we all seen how the proposed memorial for this site was laden with islamic symbols?? I would rather see nothing there, than that.

    Report Post »  
  • GeorgeWashingtonslept here
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:07am

    After the design for the memorial was chosen in 2005, protestors — led by a family member of a Flight 93 victim — complained that the plans include hidden pro-Islamic messages.

    Pro-Islamic messages???? Why am I not shocked……………………..

    Report Post »  
    • carrera
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:22am

      http://www.creepingsharia.wordpress.com has chronicled the Flight 93 memorial since it’s inception. The “pro-Islamic messages” are clearly not hidden, they are part of the design. Whether it’s the Islamic crescent pointed towards Mecca or the originally planned symbolic inclusion of the terrorist who committed the heinous acts, the “complaining” family member has a right to dignity.

      Report Post »  
    • missmarie
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 2:47pm

      I found the images quite blatant, not hidden. I could never forget their courage, bravery and sacrifice – true Americans that deserve our respect and reverence. I’m pleased this shrine to Islam has not been built. I wish we could focus on an appropriate memorial – they deserve to be remembered with honor.

      Report Post » missmarie  
  • Greyhound424
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:58am

    We the people of the United States of America will ALWAYS remember those patriots who gave their lives. They are true American hero’s. GOD bless the families of those who were lost on September, 11 2001. We will NEVER forget.

    Report Post »  
    • pajr
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:10am

      Well said – I for one don’t need a building to remind me of their sacrifices and of those who have served overseas in response to the acts perpetrated on Sept 11.

      Report Post »  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:11am

      So true Greyhound. Some of us don’t need a memorial other than the one in our hearts, but it is shameful the way our country is behaving.

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • warner
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:43am

      AMEN! Although painful, I wish they would televise the events of 911 many times throughout the year. I really believe the folks need to be reminded of that day and what we are fighting for and against!

      Report Post »  
    • wodiej
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 1:44pm

      I second that.

      Report Post »  
  • warriorcop
    Posted on September 10, 2010 at 10:55am

    Seems they haven’t forgotten about the Mosque. What a disgrace this is.

    Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • Rock Knutne ND
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 11:52am

      Patriotic Americans will NEVER forget…

      There is a parallel here.

      Those brave heroes on flight 93 had their backs against a wall and had enough. The Tea Party has had enough as well and is charging the cockpit of Big Government.

      Report Post » Rock Knutne ND  
    • sizzlinsexybeckster
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:06pm

      …..I know….the Mosque makes me sick….I watched the History channel and they were talking about how they build a Mosque next to or on top of all they conquer………this Mosque thing being built next to “the place where they conquered” is a mean nasty thing to do…… I believe our “President” hates America and would love to bomb us, poison us, or do anything to get his way…the Cloward and Piven way………his views and ideas just make me sick.

      Lest we never forget the people who died…their souls live on.

       
    • T-PAR-T BILL
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:38pm

      I hear ya….

      Report Post »  
    • inlaymensterms
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 12:45pm

      Enuff is enuff…Flight 93‘ers were true REBEL’S! Didn’t just wait for help but instead took destiny in there own hands TRUE TEA PARTY PATRIOTS!!!

      Report Post »  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 1:26pm

      all it will take is an AMERICAN President, an AMERICAN Christian designer, and a few good ol’ AMERICAN bulldozers to right the wrong of this heinous islamic ATROCITY against the hallowed grave of FLIGHT 93.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 1:53pm

      @ INLAY: TRUE AMERICANS!!!!

      As much as “Life free or die” is an American motto, so should be “LETS ROLL”

      Never forget ANY of 9/11

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 1:59pm

      * Live

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • solvitur ambulando *** Deo
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 7:06pm

      And don’t forget about all of those “historic” mosques around the world in which U.S. Taxpayer money is being used to restore them. I couldn’t believe it when I heard about that story. WHY//// Why are we using tax payer money to build/restore mosque? What happened to the most often quoted “separation of church and state” that is so often thrown in our face?

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on September 10, 2010 at 8:20pm

      saw a great political cartoon today. had the firemen standing on the rubble of the world trad center the day after the towers fell, the caption read‘wouldn’t this be a great place to build a mosque?”

      Report Post »  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on September 11, 2010 at 7:21am

      God Bless Our Men And Women in the military on this September Eleventh. God Bless the innocent victims and their families on this day of Remembrance. WE will never forget those who were lost and those who volunteered to protect America!!

      John 15:13 ” Greater love has no one than this. Than to lay down one’s life for his friends”

      Report Post »  
    • LJ_4_JESUS
      Posted on September 11, 2010 at 8:50am

      Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.
      Father today I ask you to forgive my sin and the sins of this country and heal this land. I ask you to bless Israel and to heal and comfort all that mourn today. In Jesus name. Amen

      Report Post »  
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