#97 May 2015 September 11, 2001

The date has been shortened to 9/11, a reminder of the day the Western World changed.

As we entered Pennsylvania we stopped at the tourist information center as usual. We were told our route to Johnstown could take us past the memorial for Flight 93. That was an unexpected jolt. We were anticipating a visit to Ground Zero in New York City but had not thought beyond that one event.

So much happened September 11th, 2001 that it was difficult to sort out and grasp the events. We had not understood the story of Flight 93 until we were looking at the spot where that amazing flight ended.

How did one of the hijacked flights end up crashing in rural Pennsylvania?

The departure of United Airlines flight 93 from Newark, New Jersey to San Francisco was delayed 25 minutes. 46 minutes into the flight alleged al Qaeda terrorists hijacked the plane and re-directed it towards Washington DC.

40 passengers and crew were hustled to the back of the plane and told to be quiet. With cell phones and Airfones they learned three other flights had departed on time and carried out their deadly missions in New York and Washington.

It is difficult to conceive that in 30 minutes this group of complete strangers created and carried out a plan to thwart the hijackers. They stormed the cockpit and created such confusion that one of the terrorists shouted “Pull it down”.

At over 500 miles per hour the plane crashed upside-down into a rural field in Pennsylvania. 7,000 gallons of jet fuel exploded creating a black cloud that glittered with bits of metal debris.

The impact crater was 15 feet deep and 30 feet across.

This 6 by 7 foot section of fuselage was the largest fragment found.

Debris was found 40 feet into the crater including this cockpit voice recorder found 25 feet down.

The memorial at the crash site is eerily quiet. Visitors walk respectfully and speak in hushed tones.

Each section of this wall is dedicated to one of the heroes of Flight 93. The segments do not touch one another but they represent a group of strangers who banded together to defeat one act of terrorism.

The wall follows the final path of Flight 93.

The gate at the end looks directly at the boulder marking the crash site.

The current exhibit is very well presented and there will be more information and displays when the visitor center opens September 11th this year.

When we toured Washington DC we passed the Pentagon but did not see the memorial at that site.

In New York we visited Ground Zero. The victim’s names are inscribed on the wall around the memorial for the north and south towers that were attacked. A flower is placed beside each name on their birthday and updated every day.

It is always sobering when first responders die in the line of duty. This memorial brings home the reality of the sacrifice of the fire department members who went to work but did not go home.

19 terrorists hijacked four flights bound for California, chosen because the planes were loaded with fuel for the long transcontinental flight. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks on New York and Washington.

The seven buildings comprising The World Trade Center were constructed from the 1960s to the 1980s. The 110 floor Twin Towers were completed in the 1970s and became the symbol of New York City’s financial power.

Development of The New World Trade Center had been controversial but will represent the resilience of the American people and their determination that freedom and democracy will survive and prosper.

One World Trade Center (originally called the Freedom Tower) is the first building to be completed and stands tall and strong at 1776 feet high, a reminder of the year of American Independence.