flight 93 memorial chapel

The Flight 93 Memorial Site is very peaceful, but sad. (The word "chapel" is misleading as there isn't actually a chapel on the grounds.)Others have noted that there isn't much there. I think this adds to the poignancy of the site. There is about a 1/4 mile walk from the car park to the Memorial Grove. There is a low wall along the length of the walk, which borders the debris field/crash site of the flight. Finally one arrives at the Wall of Names and can also have a look at the mound of dirt/grass beneath which are buried the passengers and the plane. There were Christmas wreaths-one for each person killed-placed outside the existing visitor shelter. Along the course of the wall are niches in which people leave mementoes. Sadly I had nothing to leave but prayers and tears, especially when I think of the untold numbers of lives these people saved by their actions in bringing the flight down in an empty field rather than on the US Capitol, which was the hijackers' original intent. It is my hope that when the visitor center is completed there will also be warning signs to alert visitors to the presence of interpretive signs/photos placed strategically along the entrance road.

The simplicity of the memorial creates an atmosphere of quiet reflection and respect. There is a long walkway passing by the site of the flight's impact and debris field leading to a simple wall with the names of the victims as well as momentos left by visitors. If you are there when a park ranger is speaking, I encourage you to stay because the talk is very informative and adds an even more personal perspective. Thee is not a great deal to actually see and the visitor center won't be completed until fall of 2015.But it does remind you that you should never forget those that gave their all on that horrible day.

The simplicity of the memorial creates an atmosphere of quiet reflection and respect. There is a long walkway passing by the site of the flight's impact and debris field leading to a simple wall with the names of the victims as well as momentos left by visitors. There are also niches along the walkway where people have left remembrances. The site is so quiet that you can hear the wind in the grass. If you are there when a park ranger is speaking, I encourage you to stay because the talk is very informative and adds an even more personal perspective. The entire site creates a very personal sense of the people who died here.

Truly moving, such a serene place. These heroes saved many lives and deserved such an amazing memorial. The park ranger did a very nice job explaining the details of the flight. I must place to experience.

Out of the three 911 tragedies, this site seems the most personal because the aircraft and bodies are still lying beneath the ground of this former coal field. A ranger talked to us about the details of what happened on the day. His presentation was so well done it was like you were viewing the incident. When we saw the memorial, it was still incomplete. I think it will be finished in 2015. We plan on returning. What was there was the inscribed memorials to the passengers, a large boulder under which lies the plane and bodies, and a grove of trees, serving as a living memorial to the persons who died in this tragedy. Definitely something ALL the family should see.

This truly is a sacred place. Not because of anything "holy" but because of the 41 people who lost their lives trying to regain control of a plane that was headed toward the White House. Of course, the plane never hit its target and all aboard were lost. This memorial tells their stories....the cell phone calls, the terror they must have felt, the merciless killing of innocents. When you take that walk along the flight path of "93" you will walk past large walls of white marble with each name inscribed on it. At the end of the path is a gate leading to a huge boulder where the plane actually smashed into the earth. This is where the remains (what they found) were "buried". You can see it, but cannot get to it. Suffice it to say, it is a sad, lonely walk. But, as an individual, you must visit this shrine. You will leave knowing what heroism really is. It is in the middle of nowhere, really, but not hard to get to. Free parking.....no fees. Go! You will be glad you did.

The Bishop who oversees the Chapel saw us on the grounds and stopped and unlocked the Chapel and walked us around and explained its history and the many personal belongings of the heroes who were on that flight on 9/11. Incredible and kind man who is very dedicated to the integrity of the memories and of sharing their many stories and mementos. The grounds are beautiful - the gardens, monument and many artifacts expressing dedication and respect to those on board flight 93 are tasteful and beautiful. Incredibly moving morning spent at this quaint little Chapel.

such a special tribute to 40 heroes. Be sure to bring Kleenex! They are working to make this a larger more detailed site, but well worth the time.

After visiting the crash site, we wandered over to this chapel to use the collectible penny machine. We were not aware of the inspiring story behind this modest chapel and the true caring spirits of the local community in restoring the chapel and remembering the beautiful spirits of all the heroes on Flight 93. The tiny room just off the entrance where the stories of every passenger and crew member are shared is particularly inspiring. The reason each person was on that fateful flight is noted along with their biographies. Reading about each person gives you chills but also makes you proud of their sacrifice. The bishop of the chapel is especially kind and welcoming and they have a special service honoring the flight on the 11th of every month.

if you are going across the Penn Turnpike take the time to remember those from 911. Memorial is open with the Visitor Center under construction. Great time to visit and remember those who died in 911. The site has a very knowledgable Park Ranger who can provide details of those who died and the tragedy of the day. Every American should take the time for a moment of reflection. Memorial is well done with a long wall, names of those who lost their lives.

We watched the video that told how the Chapel was restored before we visited the chapel. What an inspiring story of the perseverance of one man to honor the Hero's of Flight 93. The chapel itself is small but it is well worth the time. Be sure to make a small donation to help support the Chapel while we wait for the government to actually build a visitor center at the crash site. Inspiring!

A Long time ago before there was a national site I was in the area and stopped at the chapel to find out where the site was .While stopping there i was greeted by the kindest man who told me things about the area and showed me around the chapel and what he envisioned for the area.That was the best part of my trip to that area and that person who took his time out to share with me that was quite moving.

This site, honoring the Heroes of Flight 93 is OPEN. During this time of govt shutdown the Memorial Chapel is well worth your time.

I realize that right now this national memorial is shut down.....but when it reopened, it is a very moving site to visit. It is quite minimal right now but that seems to make it more touching. There are very good information boards on site that take you through the time line so you really get a feel for what went on while the brave passengers fought for control of that plane. The large grove of trees will be beautiful when they grow and the Tower of Voices will no doubt have an effect on all visitors. When you reach the marble wall and look thru the wooden door, you will see the rock used by the families to lay flowers, etc. they are the only ones allowed out there....rightfully so...it is sacred ground. A museum is planned and other features will be erected...but I think the simple wall of names and the two niches that accumulate condolences work.

This listing is very confusing and needs to be corrected. The listing is for a memorial chapel which is not at the site of the Park Service National Memorial. I didn't even know a chapel exists, or where it is. Most of the reviews here are of the National Memorial, as there doesn't seem to be any place else to put them. I don't know what the chapel is like, but I found the National Memorial to be underwhelming. I don't know what I was expecting but I just wasn't moved. Perhaps it will be better when it is finished, but for now 30 minutes is more that adequate to see what is there. It was interesting and informative to talk to the ranger and understand the flight path from that day, but it was just too sterile. If you live close or are passing through the area it's worth a stop, but I wouldn't make a long trip to see it until it's finished.