If you are given a chance to visit, I think the Flight 93 National Memorial is worth the trip, as I did with the Museums, Monuments and Meaning class over spring break.
When many people think of September 11, they recall where they were on such a terrible day. For many younger people, we have no recollection of the events and only learn of them through the memories of others. If you are given a chance to visit, I think the Flight 93 National Memorial is worth the trip, as I did with the Museums, Monuments and Meaning class over spring break.
This field of honor represents the bravest Americans who gave their all to save many others. The design of this memorial takes no importance away from the land it is placed on, leading visitors through black granite walkway to the far end of the memorial, overlooking the field: “A common field one day… A field of honor forever.” Upon entering and exiting the Flight 93 Memorial, you will pass the Tower of Voices, which, while still under construction, a beautiful tribute. The Tower is ninety-three-feet-tall, created to hold forty wind chimes to represent each passenger and crew member, each with a different tone.
I thought the architectural choice of a wind chime was unique, as I had never seen anything like it before and didn’t think much of its symbolism until after we had left. I learned from an article “Purpose of Wind Chimes” at hunker.com that wind chimes originated in Southeastern Asia; they were hung around temples and thought to attract peaceful spirits while protecting against evil forces. To me, it makes sense that a wind chime would be used, not only as a form of protection but to allow the voices of these forty heroic individuals to flow freely through the landscape.
Members of the Museums, Monuments and Meaning class at the Flight 93 National Memorial: “A common field one day… A field of honor forever.” Pictured left to right, are Leah Falco, Kim Holland, Emily Lanter, Anna Gigiio, Katie Eha, Dr. Peter Robinson and Dr. Elizabeth Barkley
Reference
Bradley, L. “Purpose of Wind Chimes.” Hunker, Hunker.com, 17 July 2017, www.hunker.com/13410923/purpose-of-wind-chimes.