On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, more than 40 passengers and crew from United Airlines Flight 93 lost their lives. In many ways, the foiled hijacking and midair revolt against terrorists was symbolized by the use of rope during the memorial dedication ceremony.
Flight 93 has always been the people’s memorial, a tribute to 40+ ordinary souls who demonstrated personal resolve against the terrorists attempt to achieve their goals, ultimately becoming extraordinary. In the decade since the horrific event, a relationship has been developed between Shanksville, PA and the tragedy.
A memorial stands on the 1,500-acre grassland, embodying feelings of patriotism, grief, anger, and sadness. The 93-foot structure has 40 chimes and each chime generates a distinctive sound, and rows of trees that ring the site symbolize sound waves. Gov. Tom Ridge said the Tower of Voices will be “an everlasting concert by our heroes.” This special day is a time to reflect on those who lost their lives, yet, saved countless more due to their bravery.
Ravenox salutes the victims of Flight 93 and their families. We are honored to supply the rope used for the dedication ceremony and the initial ringing of the chimes. The rope itself personifies strength, honor, bravery and resolve by the passengers and crew who unified in a collective manner to prevent hijackers from completing their mission.
Family members rang eight of the 40 chimes during the ceremony, sending a variety of musical notes through the raindrops.
Family members of the victims of Flight 93, Calvin Wilson and Gordon Felt Jr., join former Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and architect Paul Murdoch as they pull Ravenox rope attached to the chimes at the newly unveiled Tower of Voices at the Flight 93 National Memorial on September 9, 2018 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images/AFP)
