Secretary Salazar, Governor Rendell, Senator Casey And Others
Break Ground On Permanent Memorial
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined Pennsylvania
Governor Ed Rendell, Senator Bob Casey and the families of the
Flight 93 heroes on Saturday to break ground on the Flight 93
National Memorial. Senator Arlen Specter and Congressmen John
Murtha and Bill Shuster had representatives there on their
behalf.
Ken Salazar (DOI Photo Credit Tami
Heilemann)
“On behalf of a grateful nation, we say to the men and
women of Flight 93 who gave their lives on September 11, 2001 to
prevent terrorists from attacking our nation’s capital
‘We will never forget you,’” Salazar said.
“This national memorial will always stand to honor you and to
remind future generations that you fought and were victorious over
the forces of evil.”
Salazar pledged to work with the families and local community to
complete the national memorial for a dedication ceremony on the
10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in 2011.
“Earlier this year, many of us gathered together and
committed to completing this first phase of the memorial in time
for the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist
attacks,” said Governor Rendell. “It’s been a
long road to this point, but thanks to the hard work and dedication
of those gathered here today, as well as countless others, we are
now on the path to meeting that deadline. This memorial will be a
lasting tribute to the 40 heroes of United Flight 93 who
courageously gave their lives to stop the terrorists from using
their plane as another weapon on 9/11.”
“Nothing can repay the courage of the 40 passengers and
crew members of United Flight 93, who stood up to terror on
September 11, 2001. Their sacrifice averted a larger loss of life
and, in all probability, saved the U.S. Capitol or the White House,
symbols of American governance. Today’s groundbreaking
ceremony marks an important milestone in erecting a memorial to
honor the men and women who gave their lives. I thank
Secretary Salazar, the Families of the Flight 93 and the landowners
for their collaborative efforts to make this day a reality,”
said Senator Specter
“It has been a long journey to get to this day when we can
finally pay tribute to the bravery shown by the passengers and crew
of Flight 93,” said Senator Casey. “May this
memorial stand as a testament of our gratitude to these men and
women as we remember their sacrifice, honor their valor and
commemorate their lives. I wish to thank the Families of
Flight 93 for their dedication to this endeavor.”
“In early 2002, I introduced legislation establishing a
national memorial to honor the passengers and crew of Flight
93,” said Congressman John P. Murtha. “Nearly
eight years later, I’m honored that we are breaking ground on
a memorial that is both fitting of their sacrifice and contribution
to our great nation.” Murtha commended those involved
with the planning an construction of the memorial, and added,
“Because of your work, future generations will look out
across this quiet Pennsylvania field and forever be reminded of the
story of Flight 93 and the courage and sacrifice of her passengers
and crew.”
Flight 93 Crash Site File
Photo
A total of 40 people, representing the 40 Flight 93 heroes, took
part in the ceremony, including four young relatives who turned the
first shovels of dirt, symbolically signifying the start of a new
planning and construction phase for the national memorial.
Salazar also recognized the community of Shanksville, who have
welcomed countless visitors to the site. Every day of the year,
volunteers from the community have stood guard at the temporary
memorial that was constructed to honor the Flight 93 heroes.
Terrorists hijacked Flight 93 on 9/11 with intentions to attack
either the White House or Capitol. The passengers and crew fought
back, and the terrorists responded by flying the plane into the
fields near Shanksville.
“May this hallowed ground inspire us to work ever harder
towards the day when terrorism is defeated and all men, women and
children in all countries can live without fear of senseless
violence,” Salazar said.