Like so many people, I feel a special sense of gratitude toward those passengers and crew on United Flight 93 who somehow mustered the clarity and courage to rally against their attackers on 9/11. Theirs was a defiance both outrageous and admirable, and their leap past shock and denial to a point of unification, strategy, and action was nothing short of astonishing.
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| High Cross with Various Offerings |
These were ordinary people suddenly caught in a horribly extraordinary event; yet, despite their fear, they refused by vote to go down without a fight. In asserting the tiny measure of freedom left to them and enlarging upon it, they not only defended freedom on a larger scale but affirmed life to the hilt.
I'm usually quite cynical when it comes to "heroes," but not in this case. I deeply honor the memory of these people, their courage, and their strength of will and spirit. Long may they roll as vital to this nation's history, respected not only by today's generations but by those to come.
Today the Flight 93 National Memorial is well underway, with Phase 1 of its construction completed. In June of 2008, when I visited the site, the facilities were temporary and much simpler. Nonetheless, I have rarely been so moved by a place.
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| The Temporary Memorial in June, 2008 |
It was deeply thought-provoking in many ways, from the sight of a distant American flag marking the crash area to tidy rows of little wooden angels that commemorated the passengers and crew. The photographs I've included here were taken that day, and I share them with the hope that anyone who has not yet visited this important memorial will put it on their list of essential travel destinations. It is definitely on my list of places to revisit in the future.
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| A Panoramic View Including Sitting Area & Memorial Fence |
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| A Local Volunteer Provides Information on Flight 93 & the Site |
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| Some of the Angels Commemorating the Passengers & Crew - Very Moving |
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| Memorial Fence with Offerings Left by Visitors |
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| St. Frances & Rosaries |
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| Flags with the Cross & Field Beyond |
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| "Teach Peace" - Digital Composition by Me with Cross Base & Offerings |
I hope these images from the photo album leave you with a sincere prayer for peace in the world and for all of those people whose lives were tragically lost on 9/11.
Very best wishes from PrettyGonzo - Note (9/11/21): Please excuse the Photobucket watermarking, which somehow popped up on my photos. (Will be fixing soon.)
14 comments:
Thank you for sharing your blog with us. I have not had a chance to go to this memorial so I appreciate seeing the pictures. I for one will never forget that day or the people who were involved!
What a beautiful post Mary. I am glad to see that those who lost their lives in PA are not being forgotten. Such a tragedy but such courage.
This leaves me with tears as I think about what happened 14 years ago yesterday. What a moving tribute you have shared for those very brave people who refused to let radicals get the best of them. Thank you, Mary.
Thank you for sharing, so sad what happened, such very brave people.
No matter how old we get, we will not forget where we were and who we were surrounded by as we watched the horror unfold in real time. People are brave, and they can become heroes when life demands it of them. Thank you for sharing your wonderful post about those brave people.
I have not been there but I am happy to see there is a memorial to all those brave souls. Thank you so much for sharing Mary.
Thanks so much for all the comments.
This is a great tribute to those brave heroes. Thank you for sharing, Mary.
A beautiful tribute to these amazing heroes - yes, they were true heroes and should be remembered always. Thank you for sharing your experience visiting Shanksville.
Thank you kindly for the comments, Nat and Lisa!
Thank you for sharing your blog post, Mary. It is a stark reminder of all that is good and evil in the world. But more importantly, a reminder of the innocent lives lost and the passengers' heroic efforts.
Many thanks for the comments, Barbara.
A beautiful tribute to true heroes
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Thanks so much, Jacki!
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