Flight 93 Memorial Representatives Joined NYC and Pentagon Memorial Representatives for World Trade Center Memorial Ceremony

WASHINGTON, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives of the three national memorials that pay tribute to those who were lost on 9/11 gathered for a moving tribute to those who perished that day. Representatives of the Flight 93 National Memorial joined representatives of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center (WTC Memorial) and the Pentagon Memorial in an historic ceremony to commemorate the heroism and tragedy of September 11, 2001. The event, a 9/11 Tribute steel beam signing ceremony, took place outside the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Also participating in this First Signature Ceremony were 9/11 family members, first responders and other dignitaries. The ceremony was part of a nationwide awareness tour where the public can sign beams to be used in the WTC Memorial’s construction.

“Together, the three memorials will tell visitors from around the nation and the world the collective story of September 11, 2001. As we look forward to celebrating our nation’s independence day, we must also look back and remember those who gave their lives including the 40 heroes of Flight 93,” said Dr. Brent D. Glass, a member of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission and the director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.

Calvin Wilson, Families of Flight 93 board member and the brother-in-law of United Flight 93 First Officer LeRoy Homer Jr. said, “United Flight 93 was the only hijacked plane that did not reach its target of Washington, D.C. Our loved ones’ actions undoubtedly saved many lives. The story of the passengers and crew -- ordinary, yet ultimately extraordinary people -- aboard that flight who fought for control of the plane before it crashed in Shanksville, PA, will be enshrined in the national consciousness.”

The WTC Memorial & Museum in Manhattan is expected to open on September 11, 2011, the tenth anniversary of the events of 9/11. The permanent Flight 93 National Memorial, located in Shanksville, PA where 40 heroes gave their lives, is on track to be dedicated on September 11, 2011.

For more information about the Flight 93 National Memorial, including how to donate to the Memorial fund, please visit www.honorflight93.org.