Flight 93 National Memorial

Plant a Tree at Flight 93 – POST-PONED UNTIL 2021

Each spring, the Friends welcome approximately 500 volunteers for a two-day event focused on planting trees! Volunteers work with trained foresters to plant trees on this reclaimed strip mine, healing the landscape, creating new wildlife habitats, and making a living memorial to the passengers and crew members of Flight 93. To date over 129,918 native tree seedlings have been planted across the memorial. Native species such as white pine, Eastern hemlock, black cherry, sugar maple, black locust, white oak, hickory, silky dogwood, elderberry, and American chestnuts are being planted. When the project is completed a total of 150,000 trees will have been planted at Flight 93 National Memorial since 2012.

Invasive Species Removal - TBD

As volunteers gather to plant native trees at Flight 93 National Memorial, the Friends seek a "special forces" team to gather and tackle the obstacles – invasive species! Invasive species such as autumn olive, bull and Canada thistle, and spotted knapweed threaten the native species that exist as well as the tree seedlings that are being planted on site. This team is responsible in removal of invasive species so that the native plantings can thrive and create a beautiful Memorial landscape.

*Wall Washing - TBD

Each spring, a small group of Friends' members gather and, under the supervision of the National Park Service Curator, wash the winter dirt from the white marble Wall of Names. This is a very special service activity and part of the Friends' mission of stewardship and care of the memorial.

*Luminaria – post-poned until 2021

On the evening of September 10, forty luminaria candle lanterns will be lit and carried by family members, distinguished guests, National Park Service staff and Friends and placed below the names of each of the passengers and crew members of Flight 93, dramatically illuminating the Wall of Names. This is a very solemn, peaceful time to reflect and remember those who were lost on September 11, 2001. The general public is encouraged to attend. Please note that the Luminaria will be held annually every five years, with the next event taking place in 2021 during the Twentieth Observance. 

September 11 observance – September 11, 2020

Every September 11, Friends gather for an open air commemorative service that includes a moment of silence at 10:03 a.m., the time that Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001, reading of the names of the passengers and crew members, ringing of the Bells of Remembrance, and brief remarks. The service is open to the public. Before and after the ceremony, Friends offer event support to the National Park Service by operating registration, seating guests and hosting a private family reception.

Watch the September 10, 2017 Soundbreaking Event

Walk 93 – POST-PONED UNTIL 2021

This public walk will raise awareness about Flight 93 National Memorial as a place to honor the passengers and crew whose actions prevented an attack on our nation’s capital on September 11, 2001. Participants will experience the memorial’s trail network, including a 2.28 mile walk down the Allée, Wetlands Bridge and Western Overlook Trail in order to learn more about this 21st century historic event, build a connection with this new National Park, and experience the natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands. Proceeds from the walk directly support the completion of the original memorial design at Flight 93 National Memorial.

*Annual MEMBERSHIP Meeting – october 3, 2020

The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial look forward to gathering virtually on Saturday, October 3 at 11:00 AM for election of new board directors, a business meeting and updates on annual programs, projects and accomplishments. This meeting is a chance to review the Annual Report and reflect on the past year while looking forward to the new year ahead as we approach the 20th Observance of September 11, 2001 in 2021. Register today to attend!