Flight 93 passengers ‘set new standard for bravery’

When the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania on 11 September, 2001, after a struggle between hijackers and passengers, it was a message of defiance in the face of attack.

On hearing about the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, a group confronted the four men who had taken control of the plane.

That message of defiance and heroism was echoed yesterday, combined with a sombre promise that those who had helped prevent even more tragedy would never be forgotten.

Governor Tom Corbett said those on board the ill-fated flight had “set a new standard for American bravery” with their actions. He compared the site to nearby Gettysburg, the best known and bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. But he added: “Over the past ten years we have heard this place compared to many other places”, he said. “But the truth is that this place is like no other because the deeds aboard flight 93 were like no other”.

“Tragedies teach us, they do not stop us. We pledge to you we will ensure that future generations know your names and your remarkable stories”.

The site is commemorated by 40 marble slabs, each inscribed with the name of those who died when the plane came down.

For those who had lost family members on Flight 93, this was a poignant opportunity to share their common loss.

Gordon Felt, brother of passenger Edward and president of a network of families of those who were on the flight, spoke directly to those who had lost loved ones.

“I only wish I could have gotten to know each of you under different circumstances,” he said. “We lost too much”.

Mr Felt continued: “Let us not allow time to heal all our pain, let us never forget.”

About 5,000 people had gathered in Shanksville to pay tribute, many of whom had previously visited the site over the past decade to pay tribute.

Former governor Tom Ridge said it was a “powerful message of comfort and understanding and love”.

He added: “I think your presence today means almost as much to the families, perhaps as much as the memorial itself.”

After those families turned to applaud the thousands who had come to pay tribute to those who were killed, Mr Ridge said: “American’s don’t live in fear, we live in freedom.”

President Barack Obama flew from New York to pay tribute to those who may have saved an attack on the White House. Investigators concluded that the plane was destined for Washington – either to attack the White House or Capitol Hill, where both the Senate and Congress were sitting on the morning of 11 September, 2001.

The president did not address the crowd as he visited the Flight 93 National Memorial with his wife Michelle, instead opting to lay a simple wreath in tribute to the 40 passengers and crew who died. A section of the crowd shouted “USA! USA!” as the president walked away. One man showed his gratitude that the man who masterminded the attacks, Osama bin Laden, had finally been found, shouting: “Thanks for getting bin Laden.”