The courage and American spirit of Flight 93's story remembered and honored

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. - On the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in Shanksville Sunday, the 40 men and women who defied their hijackers and knowingly laid down their lives to save their nation’s capital were remembered and honored.

Morning ceremonies at the new Flight 93 National Memorial inspired emotional tributes from Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett, and Congressmen Mark Critz and Bill Shuster.

Former Gov. Tom Ridge said of Flight 93’s passengers and crew,

“On soft and sacred earth, now under peaceful skies, throughout the land your loving last embrace of your nation profoundly moved us ten years ago, and still does.”

Prayer and remembrance of the fallen and the reading of their names preceded the conclusion of the 10th anniversary commemoration. The families of Flight 93 stood and applauded everyone who came to remember what happened, and pay tribute to the sacrifice.

Shortly before noon, everyone saw Marine One fly past the tree line near the memorial. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrived, and the President placed a wreath at the Wall of Names on the Memorial Plaza. The couple then spent the next hour greeting Flight 93 families and many others lining the walkway nearby.

Several northeast Ohioans had the chance to shake their hands, including one dazzled Westlake teenager. Rachelle Bish came with her parents saw the First Lady approaching and said, “All thoughts just flew out of my head, and all I could think is just reach out my arm!”

When the official ceremonies had concluded, many lingered on the plaza, contemplating the crash site marked by a large sandstone boulder, and tenderly touching the Wall of Names, which follows the path of the doomed jet.

Many people commented on the “strong presence” felt here, the valor and American spirit that will be preserved here forever.