(September 11, 2015) It's appropriate that today of all days this year I should write about my recent visit to the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost fourteen years to the day after Al Queda terrorists attacked the US and killed thousands of civilians, I was able to see where that symbolic flight went down.
What took place on that plane is such an inspiration and makes me proud to be an American. The passengers who fought back on the plane and ultimately gave their lives to protect others are the highest order of heroes. Their courage and sacrifice certainly justify this memorial.
Today, the National Park Service opened a new visitor center at the memorial. Unfortunately for me, I was a week too early to see it. I plan to return and see this new addition and explore the facility more systematically.
Thunderstorms accelerated my schedule...
It was last Friday, September 4, that I got to visit this hallowed ground. I came into the memorial from US 30, even though I had approached from the south. (US 30 runs east-west along the north side of the grounds.) I didn't see any entrances coming from that way, though I believe there is at least one. My visit was cut short because strong thunderstorms approached from the south as I arrived. After about 15 minutes of walking around and looking at the different elements of the memorial, I put on my rain suit and helmet faceshield and headed out onto US 30 west.
After less than a mile, a thunderstorm began pounding me: heavy rain, lightning, 30+ mph winds; it was a little scary. To make matters worse, I was stuck behind a tractor trailer, which was was limited by law to a speed of 35 mph on an otherwise 55 mph road. I could see that to the north--the direction I was soon to head on US 219--there was no rain. I simply couldn't get to that northerly turn as quickly as I would have liked.
After a good soaking and scare from a close lightning strike and accompanying boom of thunder, I finally reached US 219 and passed the truck as soon as we reached the end of the on-ramp. Of course, the trucker also wanted to take US 219 north, slowing me down for an additional aggravating minute or two. After just a few miles on 219 I was out of the rain. Amen.
Planning a visit to the memorial
If you would like to visit this memorial, I urge you to plan at least a little. This important crash site is remote from population centers, compared to the overall population density of northeastern states. The nearest town with a typical selection of hotel accommodations is Somerset, and it's about 45 minutes away.
I haven't seen the visitor center, but the rest of the memorial is all out door. There is very little shade. Like the D-Day Memorial, you'll want to pick comfortable weather for a visit to the Flight 93 National Memorial.
I've included below links to a couple of short videos I recorded with my iPhone.
Keep the shiny side up!
-The Long Rider
Videos