Ceremony Honors Flight 93 Victims
SHANKSVILLE (KDKA) – The heroes who fought back against terrorists who had hijacked United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, will be remembered Tuesday morning.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed that day when two planes struck the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York City. Both would collapse and fall from the New York skyline shortly after the planes struck.
Another plane struck the Pentagon and killed 189 people.
A fourth hijacked plane – United Flight 93 – was en route to Washington, D.C. to attack another monument, but the passengers aboard that plane wouldn't allow it to happen.
They fought back against the terrorists and the plane eventually crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa.
On Tuesday, a ceremony was held at the site to honor and remember those gave their lives.
One by one, their names were read, which was followed by a ringing of bells.
"It is a place to reflect on the heroism of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, who refused to submit to terrorism, but instead heroically struck back. And it is a place to reflect upon the spirit of America, that spirit that binds us together as we all share in our nation's triumphs and trials," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.
A wreath was laid along the memorial wall which bears the names of the heroes aboard Flight 93.
Vice President Joe Biden also delivered an emotion message to the families of the victims.
"My personal prayer for all of you is that in every succeeding year, you're able to sing more than you weep and may God truly bless you. And rest the souls of those 40 incredible people who rest in this ground," Biden said.
KDKA's Trina Orlando reports:
The national memorial was dedicated a year ago and officials hope to have all phases of the project completed by 2016.
Ceremonies to honor and remember those who were lost on that flight began on Monday with luminaries being lit.
KDKA's Trina Orlando reports:
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta also spoke at the site.
"Every day they are fighting to make sure that this country is protected. We cannot forget that sacrifice. We cannot forget that sacrifice because in many ways, it is what makes America strong. It's what we're about. It's the spirit," Panetta said.
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