Visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA
The Flight 93 National Memorial, located in the quiet countryside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), the memorial invites visitors to reflect on that tragic day and honor those who gave their lives to prevent an even greater catastrophe.
A Place of Peace and Remembrance
Before the events of 9/11, the land where the memorial now stands was a tranquil, rolling field — part of a former coal strip mine. On that clear September morning, it became hallowed ground when Flight 93, hijacked by four al-Qaeda terrorists, crashed after passengers and crew heroically fought back, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target, believed to be either the White House or the U.S. Capitol.
Today, that field has been transformed into a place of remembrance, designed with a solemn beauty that emphasizes both the natural landscape and the gravity of the history it holds.
What to Expect When You Visit
The Flight 93 National Memorial is open year-round and admission is free, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pay their respects. Here’s what you’ll find during your visit:
- The Visitor Center Complex: The centerpiece of the memorial, offering exhibits that provide a detailed timeline of the events of 9/11, personal stories of the passengers and crew, and the national impact of their courage. Multimedia displays include phone calls made from the plane and artifacts recovered from the crash site.
- The Wall of Names: Located along the flight path, this powerful marble wall lists the names of each passenger and crew member, standing as a quiet yet commanding tribute.
- The Tower of Voices: A 93-foot musical monument featuring 40 wind chimes — one for each life lost. The hauntingly beautiful sounds serve as an audible remembrance.
- The Memorial Plaza and Crash Site: A short walk from the Visitor Center leads to the actual crash site, now a sacred area marked with a large boulder that signifies the plane’s final resting place.
How Long Should You Plan for a Visit?
To fully experience the memorial, it’s a good idea to budget 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit — longer if you’re the type who likes to linger, reflect, and take in the powerful details. If you’re traveling from Pittsburgh or other nearby cities, this makes for an impactful half-day trip.
Important Details
- Location: 6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, PA 15563 (just outside Shanksville).
- Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center hours may vary by season, so checking the NPS official site before you go is always a smart move.
- Admission: Free — a fitting tribute to ensure that the story of Flight 93 remains accessible to all.
Why You Should Go
Visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial is not just about learning history — it’s about feeling history. Standing on that windswept hill, surrounded by quiet fields, you’ll come away with a deep sense of loss, but also an undeniable sense of hope and resilience. It’s a place that reminds us of the extraordinary courage of ordinary people and the profound cost of freedom.
So, if you find yourself traveling through western Pennsylvania, take the time to stop. Pay your respects. Remember their bravery. And carry their story forward.
Books About Flight 93
Visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial is a powerful and emotional experience, offering a chance to honor the bravery of the passengers and crew who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. Reading books about Flight 93 before your visit can provide valuable context, helping you understand the personal stories, heroic actions, and lasting impact of that fateful day. These books offer deeper insight into the individuals on board, the events leading up to the crash, and the legacy they left behind, making your time at the memorial even more meaningful.
Here are a few (paid) links to books that explore the events and legacy of Flight 93:
- Let’s Roll: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage by Lisa Beamer – In this deeply personal memoir, Lisa Beamer shares the story of her husband, Todd Beamer, one of the brave passengers who fought back against the hijackers on September 11, 2001. The book provides insight into Todd’s life, faith, and the heroism displayed on that tragic day, while also reflecting on Lisa’s journey of resilience and hope.
- Flight 93: The Story, The Aftermath, and The Legacy of American Courage on 9/11 by Tom McMillan – A detailed account of the passengers’ bravery, the investigation that followed, and how the site in Pennsylvania became a national memorial.
- Among the Heroes: United Flight 93 and the Passengers and Crew Who Fought Back by Jere Longman – A well-researched and gripping narrative that tells the stories of the individuals on board, their backgrounds, and their final moments.
- The 9/11 Commission Report – While not solely about Flight 93, this official government report provides a comprehensive account of the attacks, including the heroic actions of the passengers who prevented the plane from reaching its intended target.
These books offer powerful perspectives on the courage and sacrifice of those aboard Flight 93.
