Shanksville, Pennsylvania: A Place of Remembrance and Reflection
A Historical Overview
Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a small town in Somerset County, gained global attention on September 11, 2001, when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field near the town. The crash, which claimed the lives of all 40 passengers and crew members, was part of the coordinated terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The crash site has since become a memorial to the victims and a reminder of the resilience of the American people.
The Flight 93 National Memorial
The Flight 93 National Memorial was established in 2011 to honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93. The memorial is located on the site of the crash and features a number of poignant and powerful exhibits, including:
- A Wall of Names, listing the names of all the victims
- A Field of Honor, where visitors can walk among the 40 groves of trees planted in memory of each victim
- A Memorial Plaza, with a reflecting pool and a granite memorial wall
Visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial
The Flight 93 National Memorial is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to take their time and explore the memorial at their own pace. There are a number of guided tours available, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the events of September 11, 2001, and the impact of the crash on the Shanksville community. The Shanksville Area Heritage Center
The Shanksville Area Heritage Center is a local history museum that tells the story of Shanksville and the surrounding area. The museum has a number of exhibits on the history of the town, including a special exhibit on the Flight 93 crash. The museum is located at 12546 Lincoln Highway, Shanksville, PA 15560. Other Points of Interest in Shanksville
In addition to the Flight 93 National Memorial and the Shanksville Area Heritage Center, there are a number of other points of interest in Shanksville, including: - The Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, which played a vital role in the response to the Flight 93 crash
- The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District, which lost several students and staff members in the crash
- The Shanksville United Methodist Church, which provided comfort and support to the community in the aftermath of the crash
Shanksville, Pennsylvania is a town that has been forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001. The Flight 93 National Memorial is a powerful reminder of the tragedy that occurred here, and the Shanksville community has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Visitors to Shanksville will find a welcoming community and a number of poignant and thought-provoking memorials.
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