Flight 93 'Heroes Walk' set for Sept. 10

It’s a way to remember the heroes of Flight 93 and raise money for enhancements to the Western Overlook at the Flight 93 National Memorial.

The annual Heroes’ Walk event will be held Sept. 10 at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville.

The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial, organizers of the event, are encouraging community members and businesses to sign up for the walk at the memorial. Participants can register online at www.Flight93Friends.org/walk-93.

Heroes’ Walk 2022 will help pay for improvements to the Western Overlook, considered a sacred place because it’s where the families of the Flight 93 passengers had their first look at the crash site in September 2001.

Organizers are bringing in landscape architects and specialists to help preserve the historical significance of the area. They say they want visitors to feel an impact when they’re standing where the families first stood.

The walk will start at 10:03 a.m. with participant registration from 9 to 10 a.m. All registered participants will receive a T-shirt.

Participants will experience the national memorial’s three designated walking trails. Flight 93 family members will be positioned along the trails to share stories of their loved ones.

“Participants will get a firsthand look at the Western Overlook, and family members will share the significance of the site and how planned enhancements will add to the visitor experience,” said Donna Gibson, Friends of Flight 93 executive director.

And they’ll have the opportunity to take part in an ambassador recognition program at the end of the walk being held in partnership with the National Park Service.

Gordon Felt, brother of passenger Edward Porter Felt, will take part in the walk.

“We cannot waver in our support of the Flight 93 National Memorial,” Felt said. “The Heroes’ Walk provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on the collective actions of the passengers and crew members of United Flight 93 that led to the first victory in this current war on terrorism.

“In these chaotic times, it is critical that we take time to remember the events of Sept. 11, to be inspired by the actions of our heroes and to strive to be worthy of their sacrifice.”