The Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, is a place of profound remembrance. It draws over 300,000 visitors each year who come to pay their respects at the site where 40 individuals lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Gordon Felt, who lost his brother Edward Felt on Flight 93, values the time people take to visit the memorial and learn about the actions taken by the passengers and crew. Felt was present at a National Park Service ceremony, honoring the victims’ courage.
Their story is crucial to understand, as Felt shared, “It’s gratifying for us to know that people take the time to get off the turnpike and come up and spend a few hours here to learn about the story.”
Steve Hartman, a CBS News correspondent, recalled covering the crash on its first day. At that time, the reason for the plane’s crash in such a remote location was unclear. Drawing from data, he understood the plane’s abrupt course change near Cleveland, which led him to speculate the terrorists aimed it towards Washington, D.C.
The actions of passengers and crew to reclaim control prevented catastrophic plans, ensuring that destruction did not reach its intended target. Gordon Felt described the scenario succinctly, “The good guys won that day, the bad guys were defeated.” Phone records reveal the bravery of Edward Felt and others as they stormed the cockpit, averting further tragedy.
Paul Pisano, present at the Capitol on 9/11, expressed the significance of their bravery, stating, “If they hadn’t taken the action they had and stood up … It’s horrific to think about.” His respect for the fallen is evident in his gratitude and the solemn moments spent before the memorial’s Wall of Names.
Reflecting on the aftermath of 9/11, many realized that the passengers had already struck back against terrorism with courageous action. Their legacy continues to inspire patriotism and fortitude among Americans.
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