Julian Routh
Pittsburgh Post, Sept. 11, 2022
“That space is sacred for the families, who remember it as the first meeting place for an entire community of interconnected lives, upended by the tragedy on Sept. 11.”
With hundreds behind them to commemorate the sacrifices of their fallen family members more than two decades ago on United Flight 93, Patrick White and Kiki Homer took a moment to embrace Saturday at the front of the line, arm in arm.
They are bonded by what they lost. Sunday marks the 21st anniversary since Mr. White’s cousin, Ms. Homer’s brother and 38 other crew members and passengers on Flight 93 fought back against hijackers and made the ultimate sacrifice when they forced the plane down in an empty field here, thwarting another high profile terrorist attack on Sept. 11.
But — like the rest of the close-knit group of families — they’re also bonded in a relentless search for silver linings and an unstoppable desire to turn pain into purpose. Just like they did two days after Sept. 11 when they first met near the Somerset County crash site, the families devoted Saturday to showing that unity is stronger than division, walking the two-mile loop at the Flight 93 National Memorial to raise money, from participants, sponsors and businesses, for upgrades.
“Our politics don’t divide us. Our issues on everything from A to Z do not divide us,” said Mr. White, whose cousin, Louis Nacke, died on Flight 93. “My point in speaking to you today is to understand that the 40 heroes on that plane — nothing divided any of them from each other. They were united.”
On Saturday, they walked, donning matching blue T-shirts and welcoming dozens of first-time visitors to the memorial for a peaceful stroll that was interrupted only for poignant storytelling. On Sunday, they’ll sit, taking in the annual remembrance ceremony that’s usually well-attended by high-ranking politicians and dignitaries.
First Lady Jill Biden will be this year’s special guest, and the podium was already set for her in Memorial Plaza as walkers passed by.
Organizers of the walk said this was the biggest turnout they’ve had to honor the 40 passengers and crew. They told attendees to embrace the serenity of the sprawling landscape as the group — young, old, children and dogs included — weaved through the grounds.
Donna Gibson, executive director of the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, said the “Heroes Walk” — as it’s called — raised at least $54,000 for a new project. The proceeds will benefit the construction of an official space for attendees to view the crash site from the Western Overlook, where the families of the passengers and crew were first brought, 21 years ago, to view the wreckage. … SOURCE