Flight 93 National Memorial Observance Honors 40 Heroes in Shanksville

Lead: At 9:45 a.m. ET today, families, dignitaries and community members gathered at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to honor the 40 passengers and crew who thwarted a fifth hijacking on September 11, 2001.

Nut Graf: The 24th annual Service of Remembrance commemorated the bravery of those aboard United Flight 93 and reaffirmed a promise to Never Forget, as attendees reflected on the heroism that prevented an attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Ceremony Highlights

  • Moment of Remembrance: The half-hour observance began precisely at 9:45 a.m. with a bugler’s call, followed by 40 tolls of the bell-one for each hero aboard Flight 93-and a reading of their names.
  • Wreath Laying: Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins placed the first wreath at the Wall of Names, joined by relatives who laid individual flower bouquets in silent tribute.
  • Remarks: Memorial Superintendent Jane Richardson spoke of generational stewardship: “Their sacrifice entrusted us with a field of honor, and today we renew our duty to preserve their story.”

Descending Details

The ceremony drew a standing-room-only crowd on the Memorial Plaza’s sloping amphitheater, overlooking the crash site. Survivors and descendants shared personal remembrances, underscoring Flight 93’s enduring legacy of courage.

A contingent of National Park Service rangers conducted a flag-folding ceremony on the plaza’s granite terrace, accompanied by a solo bugler tribute. Many attendees wore commemorative T-shirts bearing the names and photographs of loved ones lost in the attack.

Nearby, volunteers participated in a service project to restore native wildflowers on the surrounding hills, symbolizing renewal amid remembrance. Park volunteers also guided guests through the Flight 93 Visitor Center’s new interactive exhibit chronicling passenger actions that morning.

Subheadings for Online Readers

Who Attended: Families of Flight 93 victims; Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins; National Park Service staff; local officials. What Happened: A half-hour Service of Remembrance with bell tolls, name readings, wreath-laying and speakers. Where: Memorial Plaza at Flight 93 National Memorial, Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Why It Matters: Honors the decisive actions of Flight 93’s passengers and crew, whose resistance averted further disaster and demonstrated collective resilience.

Memorial services will continue at the Pentagon and World Trade Center sites later today, completing the national observance of 9/11’s 24th anniversary.