SHANKSVILLE, Pa., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Pa. Gov. Mark Schweiker today
marked one year since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the memorial ceremony
for the 40 victims of Flight 93 that crashed into a field in Shanksville,
Somerset County.
"Now, one year later, as we reflect on their sacrifice, I can't help but
feel humbled at the incredible courage shown by ordinary Americans that day,"
Gov. Schweiker said. "They were ordinary Americans who were off to work or to
visit family. And in an instant, they became one of the most heralded
military units in our nation's rich history.
"And that's why we come here together today to remember heroes who made
the ultimate sacrifice. They decided their fate wasn't in the hands of
terrorists. It was in their own. As I stand here, today, I continue to feel
the indomitable spirit of America's Flight 93 patriots. I feel it in my
heart. And I see it in your eyes."
Earlier in the morning, Gov. Schweiker visited Shanksville Elementary
School to unveil the "Wall of Hope." The wall is a compilation of artwork,
poetry and messages from children who lost parents in the attacks, and from
Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Somerset counties.
"The wall of hope is such an impressive piece of art, poetry and history,"
Gov. Schweiker. "Future generations will look back on the events of Sept. 11
and will be able to see how our children have reacted to this terrible
tragedy."
The Wall of Hope consists of six simulated brick-wall panels covered by a
collage of the "voices," or thought-provoking comments and drawings. Each
panel is 4' x 8' totaling 48' in length.
The wall will be traveling from Shanksville to Harrisburg for the
Celebration of Hope and Freedom at Emergency Responders Plaza.
To watch a live webcast of the Celebration of Hope and Freedom, visit the
PA PowerPort at http://www.state.pa.us.
Note: Attached are Gov. Schweiker's remarks at the Flight 93 Memorial
Ceremony
Gov. Mark Schweiker
Flight 93 Remembrance
Shanksville, Pennsylvania
September 11, 2002
"Flight 93 Patriots: Our Heroes, Our Family"
Here in Pennsylvania, today is truly a day of remembrance and deep
reflection.
We remember brave firefighters who climbed the steps of a crumbling World
Trade Center to save lives though they most certainly knew it would cost them
their own.
We remember courageous Americans who ignored searing heat and flame to
save those caught inside the Pentagon.
And here, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, we remember heroes who unselfishly
gave their lives so that others may live.
Now, one year later, as we reflect on their sacrifice, I can't help but
feel humbled at the incredible courage shown by ordinary Americans that day.
When many of us awoke on Sept. 11, America was a country at peace. Times
were good. We hadn't known war in quite some time.
Then, just like that, our peace was shattered by cowards who sought to
destroy our way of life. They thought we were weak. They thought we would
simply stand aside.
Early on the morning of Sept. 11, in the skies above us, they got their
answer.
Americans will always rise to the challenge.
Americans will always fight for freedom.
And Americans will never surrender our way of life.
Today, we stand on a battlefield.
It is unlike other battlefields in our nation's history because that day
America's first defenders weren't battle tested.
They weren't even armed.
They were ordinary Americans who were off to work or to visit family.
And in an instant, they became one of the most heralded military units in
our nation's rich history.
Some say that America's war against terror really began when our armed
forces landed in Afghanistan last October.
But we know better. Those of us here today know better.
It was here that freedom took its first stand.
And that's why we come here together today to remember heroes who made the
ultimate sacrifice.
They decided their fate wasn't in the hands of terrorists.
It was in their own.
Their heroics are so incredibly pure -- their sacrifice so enduring.
It calls to mind something a great American ally, Winston Churchill, once
said: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so
few."
And this country will make good on that debt.
You know, a year ago, I came here mournfully at witnessing such great
personal loss and the sad reality that there was precious little we could do.
I was overcome by emotion because everything felt so painfully final.
But I was wrong. I was wrong because finality means something has reached
an end.
But as I stand here, today, I continue to feel the indomitable spirit of
America's Flight 93 patriots. I feel it in my heart. And I see it in your
eyes.
Make no mistake, they are more than remembered!
They are with us. They are forceful. And they are proud.
Thank you.
CONTACT: David La Torre, Press Secretary of the Pennsylvania Office of
the Governor, +1-717-783-1116.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
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Related links:
http://www.state.pa.us
CONTACT:
David La Torre, Press Secretary of the
Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116
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