2024 Friends Annual Membership Meeting 

FEB 3, 2024 (Virtual Only)*

Friends Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2024.

This year's meeting will be conducted virtually, commencing at 11:00 AM ET. If you wish to attend, please register below.

REGISTER NOW!

Pollinator Party at Flight 93!

MAY 17 & 18, 2024

RSVP NOW

Creating a Living Memorial

Before United 93 crashed at this site on September 11, 2001, the land was a former surface mine. Once scarred  by strip mining, the land was scarred once again by the crash of United 93 and the fire resulting from jet fuel's explosion.

When Paul Murdoch, the chosen architect hired to create a living memorial, visited this site, his vision was to heal the landscape from its previous damage and to create a living memorial to honor and remember the 40 passengers and crew members aboard United 93 for generations to come.

Pollinators have played a role in the healing of this sacred site. Pollinators help ensure that the natural habitat    and ecosystem of the memorial are environmentally restored. Over the last decade, volunteers have planted over 150,000 trees at Flight 93. Along with tree planting, our natural resource team also spreads native wildflower seeds around the planting sites. 

These trees and wildflowers have attracted native wildlife that now calls Flight 93 home. Over the years,  researchers have discovered that the success of the trees and wildflowers planted have attracted over 63 native bee species and 141 native bird species. In addition, the actions taken to plant trees and wildflowers have helped to environmentally restore this once scarred site and have created a living memorial.

Additional Information

• To review the Pollinator Party press release, view here. 
• To read an article from The Daily American, view here.

CONNECTIONS

Featuring Post 9/11 Veterans

Recognizing Our Veterans: A Special Thank You from the Friends Executive Director |On November 9, 2023, the Friends Executive Director took the time to express her gratitude to all veterans. During the online virtual speaker forum, Gibson spoke with a panel of post 9/11 veterans. The discussion focused on their experiences on 9/11 and how they use the Flight 93 story to connect with the next generation. The esteemed panelists for this special Veteran's Day forum were representatives from the Sinise Foundation and the 9:57 Project. Both organizations have collaborated with Friends on various educational initiatives.

WATCH NOW! 

Post 9/11 Veterans

Doc Jacobs

Award winning author of “There and Back Again”, stories from a combat corpsman, Ambassador at Gary Sinise Foundation, Field Medic at TERRA search Promise and Founder, President, and CEO of the Doc Jacobs Foundation.  Doc served more than eight years with six and a half as a combat-wounded corpsman. During his tour of duty with 3^rd Battalion 7^th Marines, India Company in Ramadi Iraq his gun truck was hit by an IED (improvised explosive device). This attack resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee, three toes from his right foot, and part of three fingers on his left hand.  Doc earned a Bronze Star with Valor, a Purple Heart, Navy/Marine Corps achievement medal for saving 59 coalition forces’ lives after 2 suicide bombers hit an Iraqi Army recruiting line and a Combat Action Ribbon.

John Hamilton

A retired U. S Army Chief Warrant Office 4 and co-founder of The 9:57 Project, a non-profit committed to perpetuating the legacy of 9/11 by engaging students and veterans in conversations about courage, resilience, service and teamwork.  John is a 24-year US Army veteran, twenty-two of those years on active duty. On 9/11/2001, John was an AH-64 Apache pilot in the 101^st Airborne Division. Months later he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the first conventional aviation task force in the War on Terrorism. During his 24 years of service, John participated in multiple overseas deployments; he is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Air Medals, one with Combat V device, the Master Army Aviation Badge and other awards.  John also has extensive civilian aviation experience and is currently an airline pilot with a major airline.

Rudy Salcido

A veteran with combined 101/2 years of active-duty service and 20 years Federal Service with the Army National Guard. Rudy was deployed many times in support of combat, humanitarian, and counter-drug operations to locations such as Afghanistan, Central and South America, and US-Mexico Southwest Border. During combat operations in Afghanistan, he served as Executive Officer, Task Force O.D.I.N. (Observe, Detect, Identify and Neutralize) and once as Commander, Task Force C.E.A.S.A.R. (Communications Electronic Attack with Surveillance and Reconnaissance). Rudy now serves as an Air Interdiction Agent with CBP’s Air and Marine operations where he is an instructor pilot in the Pilatus PC-12, Pilot in command of the AS350 aircraft and field coordinator for the CBP’s Veteran Support Program. He is the recipient of the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and many other recognitions. He is currently serving as Major in the New Mexico National Guard.

Kate Clarke

Lieutenant Colonel Kate Clarke, award winning author of “The Heart of a Soldier” a true love story of love, war, and sacrifice, sought after national speaker.  She has served in various capacities including Active Duty in the Missouri National Guard and now serving as a Protection officer in Washington D.C. at the HQ, Corps of Engineers, US Army Reserves.  Her overseas assignments include the Republic of Korea, the initial invasion force into Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 101^st Airborne (Air Assault) Division and an assignment for Operation Enduring Freedom in Qatar.  LTC Clarke has had the privilege to assist in a wide variety of homeland emergency missions ranging from Hurricane Katrina relief to civil disturbance.  Additionally, Kate led a state partnership program between Missouri and the Republic of Panama and Missouri and Israel for the Missouri National Guard.  LTC Clarke has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Amy Commendation Medal (4^th award), Army Achievement Medal (2^nd award), Amy Reserve Component Achievement Medal (3^rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Medal, Globe War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service medal (Hurricane Katrina Relief), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Missouri State Emergency Duty Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Inductee, Daughters of the American Revolution, Austin Peay State University Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society Hall of Fame Inductee 2007.

CONNECTIONS

Featuring Jack Grandcolas

Insightful Discussion with Jack Grandcolas, Flight 93 Family Member and Author | On the 12th of October at 7:00 PM ET, our Executive Director Donna Gibson had the pleasure of speaking with Jack Grandcolas, a member of the Flight 93 family and author of "Like a River to the Sea". During the interview, Jack shared his thoughts on the book, which explores Heartbreak and Hope in the Wake of United 93.

The book is dedicated to his unborn child and outlines the story of Jack and his wife Lauren, who had just received the news of their pregnancy when she passed away in the 9/11 attacks. Jack's therapist suggested he write the book to honor Lauren and share their story with others who have suffered a traumatic loss.

2023 PINTS FOR PARKS

2023 National Day of Learning

September 11, 2023

The National Park Service and Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial hosted a virtual event via Zoom, called "Teach to Remember". The pre-recorded sessions and modules were available until December 2023. Check out Teach to Remember - Flight 93 National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) to learn more about the virtual program and access additional resources.

2023 NDL SPONSORS

Acknowledging Our Sponsors for Supporting the Launch of Our National Day of Learning - Teach to Remember 9/11

We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors for assisting us with the launch of our National Day of Learning - Teach to Remember 9/11. Thank you for your support!

AMERISERV

FIRSTENERGY FOUNDATION

FRANK QUATTRONE & DENISE FODERARO

FRED & SANDRA LUKACHINSKY

HOLLERN INSURANCE

PATRIOT PARK FOUNDATION

THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION

FRIENDS OF FLIGHT 93 PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR A NATIONAL DAY OF LEARNING

Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, the official non-profit partner to the National Park Service at Flight 93 National Memorial announces their commitment to educatingcurrent and future generations about the events of September 11, 2001. “We believe we have a responsibility to teach the story of the heroic actions of the passenger and crew of Flight 93, as well as the greater context of the events of the day” said Fred Lukachinsky, Friends Board President.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on America. Since that time, over seventy-five million Americans have been born with no living memory of that day in history. Sadly, only 14 US states require 9/11 classroom curriculum or a moment of silence in honor of the lives lost. Friends and National Park Service staff are pro-actively engaging this new generation.

We have learned from educators, teaching the events of 9/11 can be challenging. Teachers either have no living memory of the day or find it difficult and overwhelming to find reliable resources for curriculum development. To help educators overcome these challenges, Friends are working in partnership with the National Park Service to create a National Day of Learning entitled, “Teach to Remember.”

“This is a project Friends are honored to sponsor. The National Park Service education team will be offering a full day of programming focused on students in grades 6-12. Curriculum will range from the greater context of the three attack sites, to the specifics events that occurred in Shanksville, Pa. The Moment of Remembrance will be live streamed from the Memorial, as well as live interaction with interpretive rangers” said Donna Gibson Executive Director, Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.

The Teach to Remember curriculum will also feature an opportunity for students across the nation to share their writing in response to prompts about Flight 93 and 9/11.  Friends and National Park Service in collaboration with the National Writing Project will challenge students to publish from their perspective in response to the National Day of Learning. This “Write to Remember” activity is intended for schools, libraries, and home schools to share how Flight 93 story continues to inspire people.

“Friends and Park officials developed the National Day of Learning to connect with the next generation in a meaningful way,” says Gibson. Each year through an education scholarship, we partner with the National Park Service to offer ranger guided on-site educational programming for grades 4-12. In 2022, we jointly hosted over 10,000 students from all over Pennsylvania. In 2023, we want to expand beyond Pennsylvania and offer global programming.

The National Day of Learning - Teach to Remember will be hosted by Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial through Zoom. Additional information about registration will be added to Friends of Flight 93 website and resources for teachers will be added to the National Park Service website over the next several weeks/months.   

PRESS RELEASE

• Memorial Announces ‘Teach to Remember’; Virtual Day of Learning for September 11 | The National Park Service and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial announce, ‘Teach to Remember,’ a virtual education program, as part of the evolving 9/11 ceremony at Flight 93 National Memorial.
  

2023 PARTNERSHIP

September 11 Observance 

September 11, 2023

Honoring the Victims of 9/11: A Recap of the Day's Events

On Monday, September 11th, the Moment of Remembrance began at 9:50 a.m. EDT at the Memorial Plaza. The National Park Service warmly invited the public to a thirty-minute name reading, starting at 9:50 a.m. ET, to pay tribute to the passengers and crew members. With the ringing of the Bells of Remembrance, each name was read aloud.

A public wreath-laying ceremony was held at 2 p.m. near the Wall of Names on the Memorial Plaza. The event took place outside, so attendees walked on mown grass and uneven ground. The ceremony was held rain or shine, but in case of severe weather, certain parts of the program were subject to change.

The Visitor Center opened at 9:00 a.m. and closed at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11th. All programming was free and open to the public.

2023 HEROES' WALK

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Introducing the Newly Enhanced Western Overlook at Flight 93 National Memorial | This year's participants were given the exclusive opportunity to witness the upgraded Western Overlook as a "First View." Following the walk, a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Friends to honor the completion of the project.

Thanks to the hard work of families, donors, sponsors, and the Flight 93 National Memorial maintenance team, this project was made possible. The Army National Guard from the 333 Battalion in Reading, PA also played a vital role by offering their engineering and construction services. The various fundraising efforts throughout the year of 2022 contributed tremendously to the project's success. We are incredibly grateful for everyone's dedication and support.

Exploring the Western Overlook: A Unique Interpretive Program | In September 2001, the Western Overlook played a vital role as a point of first contact between families and the crash site. It also served as a site for first responders to aid family members and for the investigation of Flight 93. Today, park rangers have developed a new interpretive program called "13 Days in September" which consists of a walking tour designed to explore the historical significance of this site.

Representatives from Families, National Park Service and Friends cut the ribbon and spoke during the dedication, while walk participants were the "First View" of the enhanced space. Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps AmeriCorps volunteers provided flowers to walkers to leave behind in honor and memory of the 40 passenger and crew members.

Preserving Memorial Groves

The Memorial Groves at Flight 93 National Memorial pay tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who were on Flight 93. The 2023 Heroes' Walk was a successful event that promoted awareness about this poignant memorial. The groves, which consist of 40 trees each, can be viewed from the Allée Walk, a path that extends from the Visitor Center Complex and Memorial Plaza. Visitors can take a moment to reflect on the dignity and serenity of these forty groves.

The preservation of cultural resources and groves is essential, and we need your assistance to maintain and care for them. By participating in the walk, you're helping to support the Memorial Groves. Although registration has ended, you can still help by donating to our Environmental Projects fund.

Visit www.flight93friends.org/donate to make a donation.

THANK YOU

2023 HEROES' WALK SPONSORS! 

CTC

First Flight Foundation

Global SFC/Valve

Hollern Insurance

Terri Lesieutre

Terry Butler

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services

DONATE TODAY

Friends Under the Stars at Flight 93

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023

After each flag has flown, the flags are issued a Certificate of Authenticity by the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial and signed by the Superintendent of Flight 93 National Memorial and the Executive Director of the Friends of Flight 93.

The United States flags then can be purchased at Flight 93 Visitor Center Book Store. The sales of these flags go towards special projects and programs at Flight 93 #NationalMemorial.

Plant a Tree at Flight 93

2022 | 150,000 TREES PLANTED! 

What is Plant a Tree?

Planting a National Memorial

Additional Reforestation Information

Plant a Tree 2022 Press Release

4/5/2022 - National Memorial to Complete Ten Year Reforestation Project

Orientation Videos

Please visit nps.gov/flni to watch a unique Plant a Tree at Flight 93 National Memorial welcome message and a safety orientation.

Our Core Reforestation Partners

For a full list of our reforestation partners (2012-2022), please visit flight93friends.org/events/reforestationpartners.

VOLUNTEER-IN-ACTION

Friends have teamed up with the National Park Service to provide volunteer support for a variety of annual programs and events held at Flight 93 National Memorial. Join us and learn more about these events, which range from Friends-only (*indicated by asterisks) to open to the public. Get involved and become a part of our community.

PLANT A TREE AT FLIGHT 93 – 150,000 Trees Planted!

Reforestation on a Reclaimed Strip Mine: A Collaborative Partnership | For over ten years, the Friends of Flight 93, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, along with state and federal government agencies, private and academic organizations, have worked together on a reforestation project. The goal is to heal the landscape and create new wildlife habitats on this former surface coal mine. Thanks to the efforts of over 4,200 volunteers, who contributed more than 17,000 hours, the project has been a resounding success.

In the spring, the Friends welcome around 500 volunteers to plant trees alongside trained foresters. To date, this effort has led to the reforestation of 197 acres. Many of the initial plantings have now matured to eight feet tall and provide essential windbreaks. The project has also helped re-establish woodland wildlife habitats and cultivate a living memorial.

INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL - TBD 

Combatting Invasive Species at Flight 93 National Memorial | Volunteers have come together to plant native trees at Flight 93 National Memorial. However, the Friends organization is in search of a skilled and experienced "special forces" team to tackle a major obstacle – invasive species. Species such as autumn olive, bull and Canada thistle, and spotted knapweed pose a significant threat to the native flora and the tree seedlings that have been planted on site. The team's primary responsibility is to remove these invasive species, allowing the native plantings to flourish and create a stunning Memorial landscape.

*LUMINARIA |  Lanterns Washing – 2026 

Annual Luminaria to Honor the Passengers and Crew of Flight 93 | On September 10, an event to honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93 will take place, where forty luminaria candle lanterns will be lit and placed below the names of those who were lost on September 11, 2001. Family members, National Park Service staff, distinguished guests, and friends will attend and pay their respects. This annual event occurs every five years, with the next one being held in 2021 during the Twentieth Observance. All are welcome to attend this solemn and peaceful occasion.

SEPTEMBER 11 OBSERVANCE – SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 

Annual September 11th Commemorative Service: Honor and Remembrance | Every year on September 11th, the community gathers for an open-air commemorative service to pay tribute to the passengers and crew members of Flight 93. At 10:03 a.m., the time of the plane's crash on September 11, 2001, there is a moment of silence followed by the reading of the names of those lost. The Bells of Remembrance are rung, and brief addresses are made. The event is open to the public and friends provide support to the National Park Service by assisting with registration, seating guests, and hosting a private family reception before and after the ceremony.

Heroes' Walk - 2024

Join the Public Walk to Support Flight 93 National Memorial | On September 11, 2001, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 prevented an attack on our nation's capital, and the Flight 93 National Memorial was created in their honor. To promote awareness of this site, a public walk is being held. Take a 2.28-mile walk down the Allée, Wetlands Bridge, and Western Overlook Trail to explore the memorial's trail network and learn more about this 21st-century historic event. This walk allows you to connect with the new National Park and enjoy the natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands. All proceeds from the walk will directly aid in the completion of the original memorial design and environmental projects at Flight 93 National Memorial.

*ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING – FEB 3, 2024

Virtual Membership Meetings by Friends | Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial holds virtual membership meetings to showcase new board members, upcoming special events, and provide updates on annual programs, projects and accomplishments. This meeting is a chance to review the Annual Report, reflect on the past year, and prepare as we approach the 23rd Observance of September 11, 2001 in 2024.

 View 2023 Friends Annual Membership Meeting now.

*Flag Flying - All Year Round 

National Park Service Volunteer Opportunities

Learn more about all of the volunteer opportunities at Flight 93 National Memorial.

NPS Photo/ 2021

NPS Photo/ 2021

NPS Photo/ 2021