I have always wanted to visit the site where Flight 93 crashed - brought down by the actions of ordinary Americans, as they realized that other planes had already been hijacked and crashed in New York City and in Washington, D.C.
I had only been a resident of Pennsylvania for a short time, having moved into a house in the Poconos in April of 2001.
Yet I was already feeling that these beautiful mountains were home.
I am home on vacation this week, and so will drive to Shanksville on September 10th, see the ceremonies on Saturday, and witness the dedication of the Memorial on Sunday.
This diary may be a bit fragmented - this time of year is always a bit tough for me.
I was lucky that day, as I worked at World Trade Center Two. I made a film four years ago that chronicled my experiences of that terrible time.
Things Changed Forever from Jim Lyons on Vimeo.
Shanksville is pretty far from where I live, about 255 miles. It will take me about 4 hours to drive there. I will take some pictures and video if permitted - I have not checked if this will be allowed, as the security will be extensive for the dedication.
I associate Flight 93 with a song by Neil Young - "Let's Roll," which were the words that Todd Beamer said as the cockpit was stormed in an attempt to take back control of the aircraft from the hijackers. Beamer's final words, "let's roll", became a national catchphrase.
"Lets Roll"
by Neil Young
No one has the answer,
But one thing is true,
You've got to turn on evil,
When it's coming after you,
You've gota face it down,
And when it tries to hide,
You've gota go in after it,
And never be denied,
Time is runnin' out,
Let's roll.
I think I identified with Neil's statement on evil - if you face it down, then you can make a difference. Otherwise, we somehow feel that we cannot change the course of events - even ones that are not of or making.
I attended a couple of the early 9/11 memorials in Manhattan, but then decided a quiet day at home was the best way to honor the memory of those who died that day.
Many of the "survivors" of the events 9/11 still have strong feelings that I am not sure will ever go away. Friends of mine that went to work that day and escaped still don't talk much about their day - how they were able to get out. I don't ask them. Maybe some day they will tell me their story.
I will not comment on the continuing debates here about President Obama. Let's just say the picture at the top of the diary speaks for my support.
Below is a picture I compiled with showing 124 people of the 175 that died at Aon, where I worked at the time.
I appreciate any thoughts and comments, and will reply since I am home today.
In peace.