Flight 93 Memorial ceremonies mark 25 years since 9/11 attacks

Friday marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and observance ceremonies were held at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to remember the lives lost that day.

Nearly 3,000 people died and thousands more were injured as terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center skyscrapers in New York and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. 

United Airlines Flight 93 was headed for the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., but the passengers and crew members fought back, leading to the plane crashing into an empty field in Somerset County. 

Ceremonies began around 8:30 a.m. near the Wall of Names as thousands of people showed up to pay their respects in a moving tribute. It began with a reading of the names, then the tolling of bells and moments of silence. 

For some in attendance, it wasn't simply a ceremony — it was personal.

"Certainly easier than the first time when we were brought here," said Gordon Felt, brother of Flight 93 passenger Edward Felt. "It was raw. There was a crater and I could smell jet fuel in the air and it was just a site of death. But now with the memorial that's built and the land is healed, there's just more peace here and comfort. I feel close to my brother when I come back here so it does bring me some peace."

Those gathered near Shanksville on Friday said the courage of the passengers and crew members who fought back must never be forgotten. 

"I was in seventh grade, and I didn't fully understand the complexity of the situation, but now that I'm older I've become more emotionally attached to that," said Brittnay Railly, who attended the memorial service. "I think it is nice to pay respects to people who have passed. It wasn't their choice to be a part of this history but it's also, I think it's nice to keep that going because you don't want to forget."   

During an afternoon ceremony, Gov. Josh Shapiro participated in a wreath-laying ceremony. After that, he joined family members of those on Flight 93 to unveil the final sign completing the 9/11 National Memorial Trail in Pennsylvania. The 1,500-mile trail connects the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City to the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington and the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville. 

On Saturday evening, 40 candle lanterns will be brought to the Wall of Names as the sun goes down.