Luminaria Ceremony Illuminates Flight 93 National Memorial's Wall Of Names
SHANKSVILLE, Pa. (KDKA) - Friday evening was a somber remembrance at the Flight 93 National Memorial.
As the sun set behind the rolling hills of Somerset County, hundreds gathered to remember the 40 brave souls who sacrificed everything for freedom.
"This was the first fight against terrorism. It was on Flight 93," John Tokar, who was honoring Deora Frances Bodley in the ceremony.
"It's just emotional. Just knowing what they went through and did and probably saved more people's lives," Luke Pedro, who also was honoring Deora.
Lanterns were lit and friends and family of the 40 victims walked them past the crash site. Cindy Currie held the light in honor of her aunt Colleen Fraser.
"She lived here, lived the same way it ended, trying to help people," Currie said.
Each lantern was placed under a victim on the Wall of Names as music filled the crisp air.
"It's a beautiful memorial to all of them," Tokar said.
Twenty years have passed but the wounds are still there. For friends and family of the victims, that field of honor offers some closure.
"I personally still feel her here and the rest of them," Currie said.
"Coming here for the first time sort of closes a circle for me. Having been to the other sites," Tokar said.
They want the hundred who stood in somber silence to honor and remember the sacrifices made by their fellow common man.
"Remember Deora. Remember these other victims and their families and remember the sacrifices they and many others made," Tokar said.
KDKA has learned President Joe Biden will visit the memorial on Saturday.