One of our stops on vacation was at the Flight 93 National Memorial outside of Shenksville, PA. We hadn't planned on stopping there initially, but we realized how close we were after we missed an exit on the turnpike and saw signs for it. So on our way back west, we took the side trip to go see it.
It is in a gorgeous setting, and the memorial itself is simple and beautiful. I'm not exactly sure when it was built, but there were signs indicating that they are still working on it, and are looking to expand it a bit more. Trees are being planted around the area as well.
There was a place where visitors could leave notes.
And there were places along the wall where mementos could be left.
40 slabs of marble, each engraved with the name of a victim.
It's hard to see it, but after her name it says "and unborn child".
The boulder marks the location of the crash site.
The boulder as seen through the gate at the end of the wall.
The wall follows the plane's final flight path - the crash site is beyond the wooden gate. The site itself is closed to the public - only family members of the victims are allowed to go out there.
Wildflowers growing behind the wall
I am so glad that we got the chance to stop here. We see so much on the news about the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but just not a whole lot about Flight 93. I learned quite a bit about it that I didn't know before, and although the kids didn't totally understand it, they will always remember being there.
Seeing the signs of renewal and reforestation on the landscape along with the symbols of hope left by visitors just reaffirmed in my mind that no matter how horrible a situation appears, something good can come out of it. It might not happen overnight, but it will eventually happen - if we are patient.
Daniel and The Dude - checking everything out together. Probably one of my favorite pictures from the entire trip.
Poor little guy, he had to adjust to my walking with a broken toe.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'll keep my overall thoughts confined to the show, I will simply say being at the site reaffirmed to me that what I am doing with my life and energy, both on the show and in being apart of NSM's and the kids lives are on the right path.
On the board to post thoughts, I said this:
I've learned many things due to my research of 9/11, the biggest thing I can point to from Flight 93 is that in life you must be the hero you're looking for, these people took on that role in theirs and I'll continue trying to take on that role in mine.
C.T.
You are MY hero, babe. For so many reasons. I'm glad that we got to see this together.
DeleteVery cool! I just happened to be in Nova Scotia once and stumbled of the Swiss Air crash memorial. I'm so thankful that I get lost sometimes... Makes you think that maybe you took a wrong turn for a reason. If I am ever in that area I will definitely check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt was really nice. Very simple, not flashy - just a perfect tribute to those who lost their lives that day.
DeleteEach picture was touching and brought a tear to my eye...including the last one, which also brought a sigh and a smile...
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to more stories of your trip. I agree with the post above, I don't think we get lost sometimes, we just follow another path that God has made for us.
Hugs, Beth
I think you might be right, Beth - had we not missed that exit, we never would have thought to have stopped here!
DeleteAMY, I'LL KEEP MY THOUGHTS OF KERRY AND THE LITTLE ONE IN THE PICTURE ABOVE TO MYSELF. THE PICTURE TOUCHED MY HEART. KERRY, YOUR VERY SPECIAL.ACTUALLY SPECIAL IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH. I SEE A REAL DAD HERE. A REAL MAN. THE CHILD LOVES YOU. I CAN SEE IT.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING THESE PICTURES. I'VE NEVER BEEN THE SAME SINCE THAT HORRIDABLE DAY.I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT THOSE SOB'S DID TO OUR COUNTRY AND WORLD. THE THING THAT KEPT ME SANE IS KNOWING THAT GOD WILL HAVE THE LAST WORD.GOOD AND BAD IN THIS WORLD. GOOD IS GOD AND BAD IS SATAN. DON'T THINK FOR ONE MINUTE THAT SATAN IS DEAD. HE'S ALIVE BUT AGAIN GOD WILL HAVE THE LAST WORD.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
GRANNY
GRANNY
They definitely do love each other - it's obvious any time they're in the same room! :)
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