"Remembering the Heroes of Flight 93"

Introduction
Students have studied the events of September 11, 2001. In this activity they will learn about the proposal to establish a national memorial to honor the heroes of United Airlines Flight 93 who gave their lives in defense of their country.

Lesson Description
Students will read the legislation passed by the House of Representatives on July 22, 2002, to establish the Flight 93 National Memorial. They will also read the testimonies of Elizabeth Kammerer, whose mother died in the flight, and Pamela Tokar-Ickles, Somerset County Commissioner, in support of the proposed memorial. Students will answer four questions about the legislation and testimonies given, then work in groups of three or four to prepare their own plans for the memorial.

Instructional Objectives:

1. Students will analyze the legislation on the Flight 93 National Memorial and the testimonies of people who supported the memorial.
2. Students will work in teams to design plans for the Flight 93 National Memorial.

1. Passengers and crewmembers courageously gave their lives to thwart the hijackers. Since the crash, thousands of people have visited the crash site. Many interested parties are concerned about the future status of the site because it has become a profound symbol of American patriotism and spontaneous leadership. Careful consideration must be given to appropriate recognition of the site.
2. To establish a memorial honoring the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 of September 11, 2001; to establish a commission to oversee the construction of a permanent memorial; and to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to oversee the activities of the commission and provide technical and financial assistance.
3. Elizabeth was afraid that without proper care the site would become a circus "where trinkets and trash will be sold." To her, the site was a sacred cemetery. Further, the local community was not capable of caring for the site as a memorial. Therefore, the National Park Service should take charge of the site.
4. Pamela felt that the site had taken on a sacred atmosphere. At the time of the hearing more than one million dollars in unsolicited donations had been given to support the establishment of a permanent memorial. From Cub Scout groups to senior citizens, people from all over the world donated money, resources, and ideas for a memorial. The legislation would ensure the stability and permanence of such a memorial long after those who built it were gone. It would be fitting and proper to honor in this way those who died for freedom.
5. Students' presentations will vary, but should demonstrate that they have considered the importance of the memorial in honoring those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.