Good morning and welcome to flight 93 National Memorial. My name is stephen clark, and i have the high honor of serving as the superintendent of flight 93 National Memorial, one of of over 400 sites within the National Park system. The National Park service is honored and deeply humbled to serve as the steward of this moving memorial dedicated in memory of 40 amazing heroes. On this day 18 years ago the passengers and crew members of flight 93 bonded together and prevented their hijacked airplane from reaching its intended target, washington, d. C. , a mere 18 minutes flying time from this very location. Unquestionably they sacrificed their own lives to save so many. Ever since that moment these special people have always been remembered as heroes. Not just to americans, but also many around the world. Extraordinary citizens who showed incredible strength and resilience under extraordinary circumstances. Id like to take a moment to acknowledge the many dignitaries and representatives in attendance today. The Vice President of the United States of america mike pence and second lady karen pence. [ applause ] id like to recognize the secretary of the interior, mr. David bernhard. [ applause ] Pennsylvania State senator and a dear friend, mr. Pat stefano. [ applause ] the president of guinea. I cannot tell you how honored and humbled we are to have you, mr. President , to have you in attendance with your group. It truly is an honor. Thank you. [ applause ] dr. Niels von bredeker from washington, d. C. , [ applause ]. Id like to recognize a dear man, a true gentleman who has been instrumental for flight 93 over these many years, mr. King laughlin of the National Park foundation. [ applause ] a gentleman i just met merely moments ago, but i can already say that mr. Zukov here is already going to be a tremendous partner and im looking forward to mr. Mitchells comments here this morning. Ladies and gentlemen, author mitchell zukov. [ applause ] and finally, id especially like to thank and acknowledge the families of the passengers and crew members of flight 93 joining us here this morning. Thank you so very much. [ applause ] at this time i would like to extend a very special thank you to the many, many volunteer ambassadors who represent flight 93 National Memorial on a daily basis and help connect visitors to the individual stories of these 40 amazing people. Yearly, think about this, yearly volunteer ambassadors provide approximately 10,000 hours, 10,000 hours of their valuable time which equals approximately 250,000 of inkind services. Absolutely astounding. [ applause ] ladies and gentlemen, id also like to acknowledge and thank our Law Enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and members of our military for keeping this great nation safe each and every day. [ applause ] and finally, to our local communities and their caring leaders to include lambertsville, stoistown, shanksville, freedoms, indian lake, stoney creek township and Somerset County itself who have all provided tremendous and unwavering support to the development of this memorial over these many years. I thank you all. [ applause ] at this time, would you please stand if you are able for the National Anthem performed today for the river city brass band. I ask that you please remain standing as reverend paul briton, brother of flight 93 passenger, marion briton leads us in a moment of unity. [ playing [ National Anthem pla] [ applause ] the moved, inspired, and filled with the presence of his god, her god. Bless these words for us. Have very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity. It is like the precious oil on the head running down upon the beard, running over the, it is like the do of herman which falls on the mountain of zion. We gather together today as kindred minds. Unity in thought, in memory, and in love. We come here to be a good and pleasant gathering of sisters and brothers in our joint humanity with one thought. Thanksgiving with one love and love for the 40, with one honor, honor for the 40, that they may bind us here in this place and always in community. A men. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. 18 years ago this very day, september 11, at 10 oh 3 am, United Airlines flight 93 impacted the earth several hundred feet from the very spot on which i stand. Flight 93 National Memorial amb. And the president of the friends of flight 93 donna gibson will read the lead the readings of the names of the passengers and crew members of flight 93. For each name, judy brand and wagner who serve as ambassadors will ring the bells of remembrance in their memory. Christian adams. 23 lorraine bay, flight attendant. Todd. [ bell tolls ] todd beamer. [ bell tolls ]. Alan beaven. [ bell tolls ] mark bingham. [ bell tolls ] deora francis bodley. [ bell tolls ] sandy w bradshaw. Marian r. Britton. [ bell tolls ] thomas e. Burnett, jr. [ bell tolls ] William Joseph cashman. [ bell tolls ] my sister, georgine rose corrigan. [ bell tolls ] patricia cushing. [ bell tolls ] capt. Jason dahl. [ bell tolls ] joseph deluca. [ bell tolls ] Patrick Joseph driscoll. [ bell tolls ] Edward Porter felt. [ bell tolls ] jane c. Folger. [ bell tolls ] colleen l. Fraser. [ bell tolls ] andrew sunny garcia. [ bell tolls ] jeremy logan glick. [ bell tolls ] Kristin White gould. [ bell tolls ] Lauren Grandcolas and unborn child. [ bell tolls ] wanda green, flight attendant. [ bell tolls ] Donald Freeman greene. [ bell tolls ] linda gronlund. [ bell tolls ] richard j. Guadagno. [ bell tolls ] first officer leroy homer. [ bell tolls ] toshiya kuge. [ bell tolls ] looking forward to that great resurrection day, our beloved ceecee lyles, my mother. [ bell tolls ] hilda marcin. [ bell tolls ] waleska martinez. [ bell tolls ] nicole carol miller. [ bell tolls ] our brother, louis joey nacke, ii. [ bell tolls ] Donald Arthur peterson. [ bell tolls ] jean hoadley peterson. [ bell tolls ] mark david rothenberg. [ bell tolls ] Christine Ann snyder. [ bell tolls ] john talignani. [ bell tolls ] honor elizabeth wainio. [ bell tolls ] Deborah Jacobs welsh, flight attendant. [ bell tolls ] Albert Einstein once said there are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle. Today we celebrate a miracle. Beyond grace, beyond creed, beyond age, beyond place of origin, in spite of the fact that most, a stranger, an alien to the other, family was warned. Community was founded. Strength was found in decisions were made in what was spur of the moment. We celebrate the miracle of the 40. But we always need to realize that miracle lies in all of our hearts and all of our lives. There miracle is our possibility. Their 18 years ago is our today and tomorrow. I ask you to join with me in a moment of silence, prayer, and meditation. [ silence ] mn amen and amen. It is my to introduce to you are opening keynote speaker. [ applause ] thank you rev. Britton, thank you to the families of flight 93. We gather here on this 18th anniversary at a complicated moment in our nations history. Ratings abates over the meaning of american values. Im an author and professor and im not here to be political. Im here to make what i consider the apolitical case that by their actions, their statements and ultimately their shared sacrifice, the 40 passengers and crew members of united flight 93 to be celebrated and emulated for representing the greatest of all american values. When they boarded that flight in newark new jersey they came from an array of ethnic and racial backgrounds. They practiced a variety of religions. They held a range of political views and then at 9 28 9 20 8 am, when confronted by terrorist hijackers, these 40 strangers set aside individual interests. Through phone calls they collected information about what happened at the World Trade Center and soon after, the pentagon. They turned to one another sharing with the new from those calls and what they could see in front of them. In near minutes they transformed into a cohesive unit and an unstoppable force. Again and again and phone calls from the plane to the ground they spoke of their planned uprising as a joint effort. Passenger tom burnett told his wife, a bunch of us are getting ready to do something. Sandy bradshaw told her husband phil, some passengers are getting hot water from a galley. Passenger todd beamer told airfone supervisor lisa jefferson, a few of us are getting together. Flight attendant ceecee lyles, my mother. Said we have a plan. And jeremy told liz something even more remarkable. He said they were taking a vote. How american is that . Facing an existential crisis, they decided to vote on a response. The phone calls and the recovered cockpit tapes, we know how that vote turned out. We know they banded together. The answer the call lets roll. We know they fought bravely. We know they battle to the very end. At the cost of their lives flight 93 found a measure of success by forcing the followers of al qaeda to crush the plane on the sacred grounds where we gather today. In their determination to save themselves, they saved countless others in the us capitol and the white house and gave us the first glimmer of hope a terrible moment. We also note that the people, the good people of Somerset County pennsylvania in their own way did much the same. When they raised to the land that they know as the diamond t coal mind they didnt ask who was on board the plane or where they were from or how they play. They only ask how can we help . They continue to ask and answer that question every day since, opening their arms to the world. Recently i was emailing with the founder of the flight 93 amb. Program. She was struck by how in my book i named all 40 passengers and crew members in a section that details their heroism. We talked about why we decided to list them all especially because of the narrative, i didnt name everyone aboard all of the other hijacked planes. In writing about flight 93 i didnt felt like i had other choice. In my line of work its the goal to know exactly what happens that way i can convey it to readers with absolute certain t, but for the story of flight 93 some details will be forever lost in history, lost when the plane struck the ground. Ive made my peace with that, more than that. I embraced it and i urge you to do the same. The result is that we are compelled to celebrate every morning men and women on that plane equally and collectively. Their story like the american story is more about individual achievement or individual interests. Its about the power of what can be accomplished when people trust one another and find strength in one another. In doing so the men and women of flight 93 change from strangers to partners, from fingers to a fist. As Abraham Lincoln said on another battlefield one not far from here, it was for us the living to be dedicated here to the unfinished work who have so nobly advanced. Its my belief that the legacy of the passengers and crew of flight 93, the work they so nobly advanced was the cause of the common good. In america strangers with different beliefs or backgrounds may become your greatest ally, your blood brother and sister engaged alongside you in the fight for survival or perhaps the eternal struggle for life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Be open to that possibility. And by doing so we honor the sacrifice of the 40 heroes of flight 93 is the upmost embodiment of true american values. Thank you very much. [ applause ] thank you prof. We truly appreciate you being here with us this morning. Ladies and gentlemen, from time to time people come into your life who you just know at that very moment that you meet them that they are something special. Gordy felt president of the families of flight 93 is indeed one of those individuals. He is the brother of passenger Edward Porter felt. Over the years ive gotten to know mr. Felt on a personal level and have always admired unwavering and steadfast dedication to flight 93 National Memorial. Please join me in welcoming mr. Gordy felt. [ applause ] good morning. Mr. Vp, sec. Bernhardt, superintendent clark , rev. Britton , distinguished guests. Those that serve our nation through their work with the National Parks service, the flight 93 National Memorial ambassadors, partners in this great Memorial Development for the National Parks service, the National Parks foundation and friends of flight 93, visitors, dearest to my heart families. Families of flight 93. I welcome you all to the annual service to honor the 40 extraordinary heroes of united flight 93. Here we are again. One year since our last commemorative gathering. We seen hundreds of thousands of years visitors pass through the gates and pay their respects to the heroes of flight 93. Technology and the iron bell of our partners at the flight 93 National Memorial have been able to share the story with interested parties around the world and attendance figures here in Somerset County continue to trend upward. Volunteers of the memorial a strong through the efforts of the National Park service and the friends of flight 93 we are seeing the ground on which this memorial was built come back to life through reforestation and other critical projects designed to heal the land. School groups, veterans, tourists, history buffs and concerned citizens of the world continue to be drawn to the sacred ground and for good reason. History, our heritage, time and time again speak of instances were Common People rise to take extraordinary actions when under the greatest of pressures. Heroism revealed in a time of crisis. Our loved ones, those 40 heroes i remembered well and given the honor and dignity they deserved. May they rest peacefully embraced in the loving arms of their families and those that will forever remember their sacrifice. This memorial, this sacred ground serves as a reminder to us all that the heroes of flight 93 helped to change the course of our history. Those 40 individuals for private citizens on the morning of september 11, 2001. Because of their actions on the faded blue sky morning, just as we have today. There mentally their memory longs to us all and inspires generations to come. Those that remembers, it helps to heal an eternal wound and provide solace to those that brought so much that morning. Our lives have taken a news course a new course, remembering the Lessons Learned leading up to the change are critical factors ensuring that history cannot and will not repeat itself. Our task, that in you with me and our leaders is to never forget that were not for the actions of the crew members and passengers of flight 93, this pivot, the course of our lives and that of the country may have been far more drastic than already experienced. Imagine the implications and our countrys response to the attacks of september 11, if we witnessed the destruction of our Capital Building and how even more our lives would have been changed from the day forward. Who lives, who dies, who tells the story. A song from the musical hamilton asks when my time is up, have i done enough . I cant imagine asking more of the 30 heroes that perished on this sacred Ground Fighting for their lives and in the process of saving our country from an even darker end on september 11, 2001. But how about you . How about me . Or any of us here today. Have we done enough . Are we letting the Lessons Learned affect decisions we are making in 2019 i ask that you remember that any one of us could have been on board. Anyone of us could have been faced with the horror of facing down evil incarnate. Anyone of us could have been forced to choose between passivity under pressure or fighting to survive. How can we continue to be inspired by the heroes of flight 93 and let this inspiration affect our lives on a daily basis . I say to you the genesis of our loved ones power on the morning of september 11 in 2001 emanated from three critical factors, factors that incorporated into our daily lives in the foundational principles of our communities will serve as well while honoring our heroes. Our factors are strength through diversity. The crew and passengers of flight 93 were made up of citizens of nations, a variety of races religions, political backgrounds, sexual orientation, various professions and passions, a spectrum of ages and the list of diversity goes on and on. This unique blend of individuals allows for diverse experiences to help formulate the plan and quickly respond as modern day minutemen for the crisis unfolding before their lives and across the country that morning. The second factor, a commitment to democratic principles, our loved ones sought strength through collective actions. We know they formulated a plan and voted to determine the path forward. Every passenger presumably took the opportunity to choose their own course of action and the only people on the flight were overwhelmingly defeated and three, a willingness to make the tough decisions. Whats right, not with easy. Faced with the unimaginable horror of the morning loved ones knew they could not just sit back and let history unfold before them in a scenario that is unfortunately becoming more normalized, in a world that is becoming far more dangerous. The heroes of flight 93 chose to fight. Those 40 diverse individuals formulated a plan, voted, stood up and said no we are coming for you. Three basic concepts. It seems simple and stated but difficult to execute under pressure. Let us remember these principles and incorporate them into our everyday lives showing the world that we can be better. But as continue to be inspired by the story of flight 93 and honor the memories of those 40 extraordinary individuals and lets hope faced with difficult decisions that like presents to us, that we too can rise and be extraordinary and let us continually ask ourselves, to paraphrase linda when our time is up, have we done enough . Thank you. [ applause ] [ music ] [ applause ] teams, thank you once again to you and your entire band. So fitting and absolutely beautiful. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much. At this time i would like to introduce the secretary of the department of interior, mr. David bernhardt. He was confirmed as the 53rd secretary on april 11 of this year. As secretary of the interior he leads an agency with more than 70,000 ploys who are stewards for 20 of this nations land including monuments, wildlife refuges, and National Park sites just like this one. Ladies and gentlemen please join me in welcoming secretary david bernhardt. Good morning. Im going to go off script for the first time in my life. I want to say there have been some great speeches in American History given outside in the state of pennsylvania. Gordy i think yours was one of the most [ applause ] mr. Vp pentz, mrs. Pentz, families vp pence, ms. Pence , families , the National Park service and fellow americans. We remember and recognize the lives lost on flight 9318 years ago. Each of us know exactly where we were on this day. One of the few days in this nation and the world standstill. We will never forget how this transformed us as a people and a nation. Each year we honor nearly 3000 innocent lives lost in the twin towers, at the pentagon, and right here in shanksville pennsylvania. This year Young Americans who were born after the attacks have enrolled in college or they will join many who have no direct memory of what transpired. For them, 9 11 is a historical event, a date like so few others that is permanently ingrained in our own memo. The National Memorial is vital sharing our story with that of the world. The National Parks administer like this are a part of our american identity. This memorial mourns the lives lost and were it not for a brief few may have changed the course of history for the worst. If river serves as a reminder of why america is the home of the brave. Among those heroes of flight 93 was an employee richard j. Guadagno. A month after the crash they found richards fish and Wildlife Service badge. For us at the department of the interior, that badge which is on display at the memorials Visitor Center serves as a moving reminder of all of our fellow colleagues who have gone beyond the call of duty to keep our fellow citizens, our communities, and our land safe. And for all americans, the badge is an intangible symbol of the loss that our nation suffered nearly 2 decades ago. The secretary of the interior but most of all as an american, i take comfort knowing that pres. Trump, vp pentz are keeping america safe and secure. [ applause ] pres. Trump knows firsthand the devastation that the attacks brought to his city in the nation. He and the Vice President are committed to keeping the American People safe from courses of evil throughout the world. They are as we are committed to honoring the heroes of flight 93 and all of the vic hymns of 9 11. Now i have the honor of introducing the Vice President of the United States, mr. Mike pence. [ applause ] secretary bernhardt, distinguished guest, my fellow americans and most of all the families of the heroes who perished here, it is september 11 again and it is deeply humbling as Vice President of the United States to stand before you today at the flight 93 National Memorial as we pause to honor the 40 heroic americans who were lost in this place 18 years ago. Today all across this country americans will pause to reflect remember and never forget the events of this day 18 years ago. In new york city, at the pentagon, and here in shanksville pennsylvania. Here we are a common field one day, became a year of honor forever. On this most solemn of days our hearts are with the families of the 2753 men and women who lost their lives at the World Trade Center and the 184 meant and women who perished at the pentagon. The president just this morning paid his respects to the fallen outside of the pentagon. We gather as President Trump said as american family, united by patriotism, bound by destiny and sustained by faith in almighty god. [ applause ] the bible says if you owe debts, pay debts, if you honor, then honor, if you respect, then you respect. Pres. Trump asked me to be here today to pay a debt of honor. The memory and the families of the 40 passengers and crew members of flight 93, men and women who rose up who fought back unspeakable evil and selfless heroism and american strength. [ applause ] america was attacked on september 11 and america thought back against enemies on the very same days, not some foreign battlefield but right here in the skies above these fields. The heroes of flight 93 were forged. 18 years ago today was a beautiful tuesday morning. United 93 left newark and went to San Francisco and carried carried 40 men and women from every walk of life only 20 years of age, francis boldly was the youngest person on board. She volunteered at her local Animal Shelter and aspire to be a child psychologist. On september 11 she was flying home after visiting friends. Also on board was Edward Porter felt, and accomplishment. Devoted husband, the father of two daughters, the new jersey native was making a lastminute is this trip to San Francisco. Then there is a flight attendant, one to green. Mother of 2, deacon at her church. Planning to open a Real Estate Office after retiring. And richard j. Guadagno. As youve heard, a dedicated public servant, project manager for the fish and Wildlife Service, he worked for 17 years. On september 11 going home after celebrating with his parents sister and family and his grandmothers 100th birthday , and antique dealer in world war ii veteran. As youve heard so eloquently from this podium this morning. , they were ordinary americans but their heroism would inspire the nation. When they took off at 8 42 8 40 2 am the flight mustve seemed just like any other. They had no way of knowing, they had no way of knowing american flight 11 would have hit the tower. Within 21 minutes united flight 175 would hit the south tower of the World Trade Center. Within 46 short minutes, their own flight would be hijacked by terrorists determined to strike another attack. This time, on our Nations Capital. They had no way of knowing the 40 remarkable men and women with an 81 minutes of takeoff, their lives would be over. They would enter eternity. Not before they have earned a place of honor in the annals of American History and the hearts of every american. [ applause ] it was 9 35 when the plane diverted toward washington dc. Immediately the men and women of flight 93 sprang into action. They began calling their loved ones and learned of the attacks gripping our nation. Tom burnetts wife told him about the attack on the pentagon, and he replied we have to do something. So they did. At 9 47, mr. Glick told his wife and the passengers were voting on whether or not they should storm the cockpit and those on board voted to act, so they did. Talking with her husband on the phone, Sandy Bradshaw uttered words that captured perfectly her. In the passengers clarity of purpose, she said everyone is running first class, ive got to go. Goodbye. In the midst of the chaos a young husband and father, a man starting a Business Career prayed the lords prayer with an air phone operator and recited a verse from the 23rd psalm. Only then, to speak words that would echo the resolve of the nation. Lets roll. History reports they ran forward. The charge toward the cockpit and at 10 03 10 oh 3 am flight 93 plummeted to the earth right here. In the early days after the attacks, the Pennsylvania State trooper hung an American Flag on the old dragline sitting atop a hill overlooking this crash site. 18 years later their state a memorial stands a memorial and an even more fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of that day. Not far from here stands a 93 foot tall tower of voices which today hold 8 times each with a different musical note to symbolize the voices of all those lost 18 years ago. When played together the notes form a perfect harmony just as in the final moments the men and women of flight 93 worked in concert to defend our nation, defend the capital and defend our way of life. [ applause ] here at this memorial the names of those 40 men and women are etched in marble but i want to assure their precious name family are carved into the hearts of American People. [ applause ] the bible tells us that the lord is close to the brokenhearted, and thats our prayer for you. This day and every day and its our prayer for all of the families across the nation who meet this day each year to remember a personal loss, we are with you. For the families gathered here, you honor us by your presence and america sounds stands with you. [ applause ] the American People will never forget or ever failed to be encouraged by the women of flight 93. We honor them by remembering them. And we honor them by resolving here and now that we will do as they did, each of us in all of our roles to prevent such evil from ever reaching our shores again. When flight 93 went down the heroes aboard were the first of the new generation of americans to rise up as citizen soldiers in what would come to be known as the global war on terror. After september 11 the rising generation of a new millennium also answered the call and recruiting stations across the country had lines around the block. Since this day 18 years ago 5. 5 million americans have stepped forward to defend our country by enlisting in the armed forces in the United States and we honor each and every one of them this day. We especially honor the memory of the nearly 7000 other americans who gave their lives on to other fields of battle since this day 18 years ago. To their families looking on, we pledge, we will never forget or fail to honor the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes. [ applause ] today we honor those who fell on this Hallowed Ground and in honoring them we honor every fallen hero that day. We honor them by remembering their sacrifice and as pres. Trump has done from the first day of the administration we also honor our fallen by ensuring the men and women serving in our armed forces today have the resources training and equip it to accomplish their mission and defend this nation, and this we will always do. [ applause ] we did not start this war, we did not seek it but in every year that has passed our armed forces have taken the fight to the enemy on their soil. Weve met the evildoers with resolve and force beyond everything they could have imagined. Our armed forces took the fight to the of afghanistan. There mastermind justice at the hands of navy seals and our Armed Forces Just this year captured the last inch of territory controlled by the barbaric isis [ applause ] but the threat of terrorism remains but i can assure you under this command armed forces will never relent until the earth is purged of the scourge of radical islamic terrorism. The terrorists of 9 11 did not understand that the American Peoples love of peace is exceeded only by our resolve to defend our freedom. The fiery ordeal from with which the heroes of flight 93 passed with the way for the heroes that were to come and it will inspire generations of americans for all time. It is truly a privilege to be with you today in shanksville along with our wife my wife karen to honor the memory of the heroes of flight 93. [ applause ] ip tribute as Vice President and as a grateful american but eyes as ive said two years ago for us and our family, its personal. 17 years ago i was serving in congress. My wife and i made a point to bring three small children here to this Hallowed Ground in the drive back from washington dc to india it was less than a year on that terrible day but we wanted to come here. Pay our respects and make sure that our children saw this place and knew what happened here. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Painted with the names of the fallen, the timeline listed and wouldnt cross in the field. [ applause ] with the help of one park ranger we learned of the sequence of that day and i remember asking the ranger that if the United States capital is targeted, at what time with the plane have reached the Capital Building. And what she told me ill never forget. The time she mentioned i along with hundreds of others were standing near the east front of the house of representatives. As i stand before you today i say from my heart i will always believe that i and many others in our Nations Capital were able to go home that day and hug our families because of the courage and selflessness of your families, the heroes of flight 92. Flight 93. [ applause ] two years ago on this occasion i toward the Memorial Museum and there i took note of one of the possessions of a passenger that was recovered at the crash site. Among what was left brought on board was a book entitled a life of integrity by howard hendricks. As i looked at the display of the class i was struck with the title and how perfectly thats representative flight 93 demonstrated on the day 18 years ago. I purchased the copy of the same edition of that book and it has flown with me every day since on air force 2 as a quiet tribute not just to the man but to all the passengers and crew of flight 93 for all youve done for us. What your loved ones did for my Little Family and countless others in our Nations Capital that day, we think you. When heroes fall words fail for no greater love is a man like this who lays down his life for a friend. Is what the heroes of flight 93 did. Im grateful for all of you today that hear it one more time. Its important that we tell their stories because as has already been observed a whole generation of americans has come of age with no personal memory of 9 11. So the rest of us my fellow americans must tell the story. We must never forget and never fail to honor the memory of those who were lost here in new york city and in washington dc in this we will do. We will tell their story, we will honor their memory always. [ applause ] to the families of the fallen, this President Trump said this morning at the pentagon i see now, the memory of your loved ones will never die they will always be with us and we will always tell their story to future generations. As long as this nation endures americans will always be inspired by the faithful and courageous words and days of the heroes of flight 93. May god bless our beloved fallen, may god bless and cover the families gathered here and may god continue to bless the United States of america. With such men and women as the passengers and crew of flight 93. Please be seated. Thank you again for your thoughtful words. Again it is truly an honor to have you and the second meeting with us today. As many of you knows, Vice President pentz also joined us as we mentioned for the 16th annual observance two years ago. As we conclude here today i am in to get reminded of Vice President pentz Vice President pence s words and will never forget the sentiment that he shared how on the morning of september 11, 2001 has he stated, and i quote, and i quote, for me it was personal. Ill never forget that. I remember the Vice President shared his belief that the heroism of the 40 passengers and crew members may indeed save his own life. However, individuals who shared the same sentiment is in people were inside and around the Capital Building that day. They included members of congress, thousands of employees working inside the tilting and countless citizens. Ladies and gentlemen, people dont just visit flight 93 National Memorial. Rather, they make it a pilgrimage. As for them to, please allow me to share a few powerful messages left by visitors when comment cards very recently, quote, the passengers on this flight could have saved my life and many people i know because i was working near the Capital Building this morning that morning and many of my coworkers were in the capital at that time. Forever grateful. , signed h thomas. Heres a message written directly to the families of flight 93 left on some timber seventh four days ago and i quote, to the families of flight 93, we will be forever grateful for your sacrifice for our son kevin, who was working in the capital that day. And finally a powerful message left on august 24 of this year, quote, thank you for your brave selfless actions in the midst of evil and because of you thousands more were saved. Our nation is forever thankful and your memory be remembered, signed a grateful american. As it was clear from the three examples above it is very common to have powerful testimonials that mirror the Vice President s meaningful words today and in 2017 left behind for visitors who did. The monumental sacrifice was most certainly not in vain. All of us here thank all of you for pausing on this day to remember the heroes of flight 93 and all those affected by the event of september 11. And we remember those who perished here at the twin towers and also at the pentagon, we carry their memory with us as we go forth from this place to better ourselves, our communities and our nation. Thank you once again for being here today and sharing in this special day. Thank you at this time the Vice President , the second lady, gordon felt and the secretary of the interior will lay a wreath in the memory of the 40 heroes. If the families of the passengers and crew members of flight 93 would please join us in that special memory in that moment over at the wall of names. I would ask that all of you remain seated while the families make their way to the wall of names. When indicated to do so by National ParkService Representative and will also be cordially invited to join the wall. Once again thank you for joining us today and helping us honor the memory of the passengers and crew members of flight 93. [ applause ]