Topic: The Memorial

Primary Theme Title – Remembering
Primary Theme Statement
The memorial at the Flight 93 site provides a focus to commemorate a seminal event in American history, a place to remember and celebrate the passengers and crew on the flight.
Supporting Theme Topic – THE MEMORIAL
Theme Statement
In making sense of, and finding meaning in September 11th, people often comment on the temporary memorial, the proposed permanent memorial and the setting and place.
Theme Description
Many visitors to the Memorial site comment on how quiet and beautiful the crash site is. Some comment on the tributes and items left by other visitors and how moving it is to see how much people care. Some visitors express a desire to get closer to the crash site. Visitors often write their comments after hearing an Ambassador’s presentation, which includes some description of the plan for the permanent memorial. Here there is a wide range of comments, from ‘leave it just as it is,’ to approval and disapproval of the plans for the permanent memorial. A common comment is that visitors don’t want the memorial to become commercial or to be surrounded by commercial, tourist attractions.
Illustrative Quotes
“This is a wonderful thing here. … When a permanent memorial is done some things should be left just as they are.  The heart of America is here in every little thing.” [Visitor, August 2004, Tribute Card]
“I found this memorial to be incredibly moving.  May God always bless those with the courage to save lives. One of those could have been mine as I was at the Washington Navy Yard. We were locked down until noon on Sept. 11th, not knowing what was going to happen next. Thank you for maintaining this incredible site.” [Visitor, April 2004, Tribute Card]
“Flight 93 Memorial. Still very real after 5+ years.  Don’t overdevelop the Memorial site please. It’s pristine, peaceful, beautiful. God’s country.” [Visitor, May 2007, Tribute Card]
“This is a great place to go to learn about history and respect the people who gave up their lives of their country.” [Visitor, April 2007, Tribute Card]
“It is tragic to think how this serene place was the site of a tragedy.  We must do what we can to honor these brave ordinary heroes. Keep the Memorial simple and peaceful. I think the quietness and peacefulness is what makes this place so moving.  We will never forget.” [Visitor, June 2007, Tribute Card]
“Keep this site natural and intact as possible, with any memorial conforming to the landscape. Your efforts to date are most commendable.  Your volunteers are doing an outstanding job.” [Visitor, November 2003, Tribute Card]
“I find it to be a very touching memorial. Something about the spontaneous nature of the tributes as displayed makes a powerful statement. Any permanent memorial should incorporate this tribute and retain its simplicity and spontaneity.” [Visitor, November 2003, Tribute Card]

Primary Theme – Remembering: The memorial at the Flight 93 site provides a focus to commemorate a seminal event in American history, a place to remember and celebrate the passengers and crew on the flight.

Research Finding - In making sense of, and finding meaning in September 11th, people often comment on the temporary memorial, the proposed permanent memorial and the setting and place.

Supporting Description - Many visitors to the Memorial site comment on how quiet and beautiful the crash site is. Some comment on the tributes and items left by other visitors and how moving it is to see how much people care. Some visitors express a desire to get closer to the crash site. Visitors often write their comments after hearing an Ambassador’s presentation, which includes some description of the plan for the permanent memorial. Here there is a wide range of comments, from ‘leave it just as it is,’ to approval and disapproval of the plans for the permanent memorial. A common comment is that visitors don’t want the memorial to become commercial or to be surrounded by commercial, tourist attractions.

Sample Supporting Interpretive Theme Statement - We can learn much from monuments and memorials but no structure or development can make the place any more sacred than it is.

Illustrative Quotes -

“This is a wonderful thing here. … When a permanent memorial is done some things should be left just as they are.  The heart of America is here in every little thing.” [Visitor, August 2004, Tribute Card]

“I found this memorial to be incredibly moving.  May God always bless those with the courage to save lives. One of those could have been mine as I was at the Washington Navy Yard. We were locked down until noon on Sept. 11th, not knowing what was going to happen next. Thank you for maintaining this incredible site.” [Visitor, April 2004, Tribute Card]

“Flight 93 Memorial. Still very real after 5+ years.  Don’t overdevelop the Memorial site please. It’s pristine, peaceful, beautiful. God’s country.” [Visitor, May 2007, Tribute Card]

“This is a great place to go to learn about history and respect the people who gave up their lives of their country.” [Visitor, April 2007, Tribute Card]

“It is tragic to think how this serene place was the site of a tragedy.  We must do what we can to honor these brave ordinary heroes. Keep the Memorial simple and peaceful. I think the quietness and peacefulness is what makes this place so moving.  We will never forget.” [Visitor, June 2007, Tribute Card]

“Keep this site natural and intact as possible, with any memorial conforming to the landscape. Your efforts to date are most commendable.  Your volunteers are doing an outstanding job.” [Visitor, November 2003, Tribute Card]

“I find it to be a very touching memorial. Something about the spontaneous nature of the tributes as displayed makes a powerful statement. Any permanent memorial should incorporate this tribute and retain its simplicity and spontaneity.” [Visitor, November 2003, Tribute Card]