Notes from Shanksville, Saturday Evening

Editor's Note: Phoenixville Patch reader and Phoenixville area resident James Henry is at the Flight 93 Memorial dedication in Shanksville, PA, this weekend. He filed these notes Saturday evening. To see his story from Friday, .

The new road into the Flight 93 Memorial site is more than three miles long and was jammed end to end by 8:30 Saturday morning.

Evidently the early morning security sweep inside the site ran late. People are here from all over. One couple had driven in from the Allentown area this morning. Another gentleman had driven alone from Rochester, NY, and still another family came up from Washington, DC, all here "just because." Entrance gate security was very tight with all bags searched and random pat downs. Most got wanded.

Ceremonies will be held on stage under a steel pavillion. Flight 93 families and those invited are receiving VIP treatment all the way. Also there is a large presence of volunteer groups assisting all attendees, handing out brochures, bottled water and more.

Weather is broken low clouds with brief patches of sun. Thunderstorms were called for later in the day but weather was no factor during the ceremony.

The walkway in from parking area passes about 100 yards from Flight 93's point of impact. The crater is now filled and marked with a large boulder, decorated today with brightly colored floral displays. 

The memorial wall of names to be dedicated and unveiled today, is straight and stark and white, aligned to show the final path of the aircraft. Forty names are etched into individual marble panels. A locked gate at the end of the wall will allow family access to the crash site.

Families and their guests filled the center audience area, many chatting and hugging. The program began with various musical tributes from a memorial chorus, a brass quintet and a bagpiper. 

On the rostrum were two former presidents (George W. Bush, Bill Clinton), Vce President Joseph Biden, Director of the National Park Service John Jarvis, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and Speaker of the House John Boehner, plus other dignitaries. The speeches were topical, timely, and often poignant, recounting the events of the day from various perspectives.

After the formal dedication of the Memorial to the American people, the wall of names was unveiled and the Flight 93 families were given 30 minutes of private access before the public was admitted. Many family members touched the carved name of their loved one or had their picture taken with the name.

In all, a day of emotion, patriotism and celebration.