40 bell chimes to honor 40 lives lost onboard Flight 93.
On September 11, 2001, passengers and crew members fought back against the terrorists who hijacked the plane, diverting the attack away from its intended target: the nation’s capital.
Shirley Adderley’s daughter, CeeCee Ross Lyles, was a flight attendant.
“Many other lives were saved because of what they did,” Adderley said. “And I’m very proud.”
During the 16th Anniversary Observance, Governor Tom Wolf and Vice President Mike Pence remembered the lives lost.
“We cannot know the true impact of their heroism,” Wolf said.
They thanked the families of the brave men and women.
A personal and emotional thank you came from the vice president, who says he was in Washington D.C. that fateful morning.
“I will always believe that I and many others in our nation’s capital will be able to go home that day to hug our families because of the courage and selflessness of the heroes of Flight 93,” said Pence. “So for me, it’s personal.”
Families and loved ones of the crew and passengers on Flight 93 say they formed a bond. Returning to the memorial year after year helps keep the memory of their sacrifice alive.
Gordon Felt, Flight 93 Families, president
“We’ve shared a common experience and it’s horrific,” said Gordon Felt, president of the Flight 93 Families. “Yet, when we come together, we find some peace.”
Peace and pride, in a sacrifice their families and many others will never forget.
“Just the idea of this being the last place that she was, even though I can’t touch or see her, I feel like I’m touching her and seeing her when I’m here at this memorial,” Adderley said. “That’s why I come back and I plan to come back until I can’t.”