Flight 93 National Memorial is a great field trip destination to give students a stronger sense of the tragedy of the events on September 11, 2001, and the scope of the effect those events had on people’s lives. Instead of learning about the attacks purely through textbooks or documentaries, students will be able to visit the location where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed, helping them understand the impact of the event and the courage shown by the 40 passengers and crew members on board who gave their lives to prevent future tragedy. The memorial is located in Somerset County, about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, so teachers should allow significant travel time when planning a trip.
The memorial is most suitable for students in grades 5 and up, although older students are more likely to understand the site’s historical and emotional significance fully. Furthermore, because of the serious nature of the subject matter, teachers should prepare students for the trip and make sure they know the history. Teachers should also ensure students behave respectfully throughout the trip.
Most visits begin at the Flight 93 Visitor Center, which features a permanent exhibition that focuses on the story of Flight 93 within the wider context of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The exhibit tells the story of the passengers and crew members through artifacts and interactive activities, and it gives students a full timeline of events.
From the visitor center, you can take the 0.7-mile-long Western Overlook trail, which highlights where the family members of the crew on Flight 93 first viewed the crash site. This can help put students in the shoes of those whose families were affected and let them feel a fraction of what they felt in the moment. At the end of the trail, you will reach the Wall of Names. This monument consists of 40 marble stones, each engraved with the name of a crew member or passenger who died.
From here, students can also see the impact site and debris field from the crash, as well as the 17.5-ton boulder used to mark the edge of the crash site. Afterward, you can take the curved 1.2-mile allée trail, which takes students past the 40 memorial groves dedicated to those who lost their lives in this tragedy. Be sure to visit the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot-tall monument with 40 wind chimes, each representing one of the passengers or crew members.
Overall, Flight 93 National Memorial is a powerful field trip destination for students learning about September 11 and modern American history. Students will leave with a stronger understanding of the event, the people involved, and the importance of preserving history, even when it is horrifying.
