A new project involving first responders planned for Flight 93 National Memorial

Judy D.J. Ellich, The Daily American
·2 min read

SHANKSVILLE — The footprint at this special place is on its way to becoming larger.

During a welcoming speech at the Heroes Walk 2023 Saturday when the opening of a "sacred" place known as the Western Overlook was held, Superintendent Stephen Clark announced the park service and its partners' next project for the memorial.

Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen Clark makes an announcement for the first time at the Heroes Walk Monday about a new project.
Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen Clark makes an announcement for the first time at the Heroes Walk Monday about a new project.

"One thing that nobody knows and I'm going to make it public at this very moment, is that look for another undertaking for this footprint," he said as supporters of the site sat facing him from their stone blocks now in place in the opened Western Overlook.

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First, there was the procurement of the parcels of land in the area of Flight 93's crash, then the call for designs to the selection. Next came the centers such as the visitors and the learning centers. The majestic tower of voices was finished just a few years ago and now it is time to expand the nation's footprint at the memorial, he said.

Clark spoke with the family members of the heroes of Flight 93, the FBI and other entities to think about and design and execute a plan to expand the memorial's footprint.

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Next project: "A memorial to dedicate to special people known as our first responders," he said.

"I don't know when, but it is going to happen. I don't know what it is going to look like, maybe it is going to be statute of some hay bales and an adult with an arm around a child," Clark said. "I don't know. But I'm telling you this, we are going to need every single idea to dedicate all those who not just responded at Flight 93, but at the Pentagon and at New York on Sept. 11 (2001) and also to those who unexpectedly died of unexplained illness that happens to this day."

The crowd learns of the next project at Flight 93 National Memorial.
The crowd learns of the next project at Flight 93 National Memorial.

"It is a remarkable place, ladies and gentlemen. It is a remarkable place," he said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: The footprint at Flight 93 National Memorial may get larger