Flight 93 National Memorial

Plant a Tree at Flight 93 National Memorial – April

Each spring, the Friends welcome approximately 500 volunteers for a two-day event focused on planting trees! Volunteers work with trained foresters to plant trees on this reclaimed strip mine, healing the landscape, creating new wildlife habitats, and making a living memorial to the passengers and crew members of Flight 93. To date over 47,000 tree seedlings have been planted over 73 acres. Native species such as white pine, Eastern hemlock, black cherry, sugar maple, black locust, white oak, hickory, silky dogwood, elderberry, and American chestnuts are being planted. When the project is completed 150,000 trees will have been planted at Flight 93 National Memorial.

Invasive Species Removal -April

As volunteers gather to plant native trees at Flight 93 National Memorial, the Friends seek a "special forces" team to gather and tackle the obstacles – invasive species! Invasive species such as autumn olive, bull and Canada thistle, and spotted knapweed threaten the native species that exist as well as the tree seedlings that are being planted on site. This team is responsible in removal of invasive species so that the native plantings can thrive and create a beautiful Memorial landscape.

*Wall Washing – May

Each spring, a small group of Friends gather and, under the supervision of the National Park Service Curator, wash the winter dirt from the white marble Wall of Names. This is a very special service activity and part of the Friends' mission of stewardship and care of the Memorial.

*Mid-Year Membership Event – July

Friends gather in July for an educational program and updates on Friends projects. This event ranges from photo exhibitions and guest speakers to construction tours and exclusive presentations. The event concludes with an opportunity to see the Wall of Names illuminated at dusk.

*Luminaria – September 10

On the evening of September 10, forty luminaria candle lanterns will be lit and carried by family members, distinguished guests, National Park Service staff and Friends and placed below the names of each of the passengers and crew members of Flight 93, dramatically illuminating the Wall of Names. This is a very solemn, peaceful time to reflect and remember those who were lost on September 11, 2001. The general public is encouraged to attend.

September 11 Commemorative Ceremony – September 11

Every September 11, Friends gather for an open air commemorative service that includes a moment of silence at 10:03 a.m., the time that Flight 93 crashed on September 11, 2001, reading of the names of the passengers and crew members, ringing of the Bells of Remembrance, and brief remarks. The service is open to the public. Before and after the ceremony, Friends offer event support to the National Park Service by operating registration, seating guests and hosting a private family reception.

Watch the September 10, 2017 Soundbreaking Event

Memorial Walk – September (NEW THIS YEAR!)

In September, the Friends host a public walk at Flight 93 National Memorial. Participants are able to experience the Memorial's beautiful 2.7 mile Allée Walkway, Wetlands Bridge, and Western Overlook Trail, learn more about this 21st century historic event through special, event-day programming, and build a connection with this new National Memorial. Proceeds from the walk specifically fund the building and maintenance of trails at Flight 93 National Memorial.

*Annual Meeting – 1st Saturday in November

The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial gather annually in November for election of Board Directors, a business meeting and an educational program. This meeting is a chance to review the Annual Report and reflect on the past year and all of the Friends accomplishments, while looking forward to the new year ahead.

Plaza Greeters Program– Year Round

Friends greet visitors from near and far at Flight 93 National Memorial through the Plaza Greeters program, which is a seasonal volunteer opportunity. Plaza Greeters welcome visitors to the Memorial, answer basic questions about the site and the local area and re-stock NPS literature at the Memorial Plaza. Plaza greeters serve as a friendly face for the Memorial.