Flight 93 National Memorial — Attraction in Stonycreek Township

After visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York, I immediately wanted to find time to visit the memorials in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. Covid delayed those plans until recently when I was able to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial with my son.

The experience was equally as moving but entirely different from my time at the World Trade Center site. Where thousands are remembered in Manhattan, 40 names, 40 lives, starkly claim a vast field buffered by rolling hills and trees still in their infancy. An outdoor setting designed to provoke introspection and encourage healing. A place where, if ever there were a place, people can go to hero worship. In fact, I found myself constantly contemplating all the lives not lost along with the 40 that were, and being truly astonished by the bravery and courage that overtook hate that day.

We entered by the chimes. It was a windy day, and the sounds echoed constant. The Tower of Voices, as it is called, is singularly unique in the world with forty chimes representing the voices of each of those on the plane in the moments before the crash. It is, as the Park Service describes, a living tribute, and a very moving one at that.

The Visitor’s Center seemed a bit crowded and, with Covid, we decided to keep to the outside exhibits. With that said, I understand that spending time there helps visitors learn more about those who lost their lives and the tremendous impression that those living in the surrounding area felt.

We spent the bulk of our time walking along the trails and the outside memorial wall. Subdued, yet formidable the wall seemed to guard the area of impact. The Wall of Names shifts shape as it appears to be one solid, or “unified” section, as described, to symbolize the collective effort of the passengers and crew. However, when you get closer each name is engraved into a separate panel invoking a sense of direct connection to each individual.

I wish we had longer to spend. We had come across the Remember Me Rose Garden, directly outside the park border, and spent time there too so our visit was shorter than anticipated. It is worth budgeting an extra hour to walk that park as well, set up and maintained by the families to be a “peaceful sanctuary” and “living tribute” to their loved ones. Local residents volunteer countless hours to maintain the area which features, when in bloom, a compass designed to be seen from 30,000 feet and a half mile walking trail offering visitors a contemplative setting. The site also cares for the relocated Cross that was placed at crash site immediately after the crash.

The folks in the area are very friendly. Within an hour of the site there are so many places that are worth taking trips to see. There are wonderful recreational opportunities throughout that part of the state. It isn’t a far trip from Pittsburgh, Harrisburg or several other towns and cities that are in the vicinity of Central and Western Pennsylvania. I would suggest staying someplace close and getting an early start at the park and garden. That will allow for enough time to learn, reflect and pay respects and then to get to know the area for what makes it special.

Hours vary between seasons and restrictions have been in place due to Covid, so check the National Park Service website before...

Visiting the Flight 93 Memorial is not just a historical experience but a deeply personal one for me. I joined the Army in late August 2001, just a few weeks before the attacks on 9/11. When the world changed so drastically on that day, it set the tone for my next decade, both in service and in life. Seeing these memorials now, years later, brings back memories of those challenging times, but they also remind me of the strength and resilience that arose from such a dark day.

As you approach the Flight 93 Memorial, the serenity of the landscape contrasts with the weight of the events it commemorates. The open fields and rolling hills provide a quiet reflection space, mirroring the peaceful Pennsylvania countryside that saw such unimaginable bravery. Walking along the pathways, you begin to feel the immensity of what transpired here. The Memorial Plaza is simple, yet that simplicity is powerful. It feels right, as if the landscape and memorial are in harmony, honoring the passengers and crew of Flight 93 without overwhelming the sacred ground.

What struck me the most was the Wall of Names. Standing in front of it, I couldn't help but think of the unimaginable courage of those 40 individuals who fought back, saving countless lives. Their names are etched in marble, each representing not only a person but also an act of defiance against terror. The long, linear design of the wall points toward the final resting place of the flight, reminding us of the somberness of the event while also embodying a sense of forward motion, symbolizing that life must continue, and we must remember.

The Tower of Voices is another powerful feature. The chimes in the tower represent each of the passengers and crew, creating an ongoing soundscape that fills the air with a haunting, beautiful resonance. It's almost as if their voices are still with us, carried by the wind, a constant reminder of their bravery and sacrifice. Listening to the chimes, I felt an overwhelming sense of respect and gratitude. These people didn’t sign up for combat or the military like I did—they were everyday individuals who, in their final moments, became heroes.

The Flight 93 Memorial is not just a tribute to the past but also a reflection of the unity and bravery that arose in the wake of tragedy. For me, it holds a special place in my heart, not only as a former soldier but also as an American who lived through the uncertainty and fear that followed 9/11. This site, much like others commemorating that day, reminds me of why I served and the sacrifices so many have made in the name of freedom. It's a place I feel connected to deeply, and every visit reinforces the importance of remembering, honoring, and learning from that...

You can just feel it all…

On our family summer road trip, we took a day and checked out the most recent additions to the Flight 93 Memorial. We have been here a few times over the years and each time it is different.

Our first stop was the Tower of Voices. We have been over to the Flight 93 Memorial a couple of times, but both times we came this was not here so this is new to all of us. The purpose of the Tower of Voices is that it is a landmark feature near the memorial entrance visible from the Lincoln Highway. It provides a living memorial in sound to honor the 40 passengers and crewmembers of United flight 93 who died on September 11, 2001 when the plane crashed nearby. The tower is 93 feet tall and has 40 chimes each representing a person, that plays different tones when the wind blows. It was very quiet here as we took it all in. Extremely tall as you can see per the pictures with the kids, standing under it. The day we were here, the wind was just barely blowing so we really couldn’t hear anything, but you can actually view it 24/7 by scanning the board on site.

Next, we visited the Flight 93 Memorial Museum and crash site. The first time we had ever visited the Flight 93 Memorial was around 10 years after it had happened. There was a makeshift museum set up that had a lot of items that were left at the memorial. Down by the crash site, there was a zigzag fence that still had quite a bit going on investigation wise, debris and such, up to where the boulder had been placed. The second time we went, they had made the wall along the path of the debris in place of the fence. This time, they have created a huge museum with a lot of really significant, but sad items, audio and visual items as well. You are not allowed to take photos inside, so I do not have many in there, but I did take some down by the actual property on this visit as well. I love the overlook. It gives you a Birdseye view of the entire property to really see where each account happened as it went that day, including looking up on the hill and seeing the red barn that is famously in all of the photos. It was an informative visit for the kids and nice to see how much it has built up since our last visit. 🇺🇸

I will say that there’s a very somber feeling when you are down by the crash site. It is very quiet and really takes you back to that day, from the wall that you walk beside that followed the debris to the marble wall of names that goes down the flight path to the crash site where lives were lost. Please be respectful when coming here.

Hours are 9 to 5 every day and it is free to visit.

*Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot .

Hiking for adults and kid friendly. Dogs...