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Orie to Light "Memorial Torch of Liberty" During
Shanksville Ceremony
to Honor Flight 93 Heroes
HARRISBURG -- State
Senator Jane Clare Orie (R-Allegheny) will take part in a 9-11 observance to
honor the heroes of Flight 93 tomorrow in Shanksville, Somerset County. Orie
will light a "Memorial Torch of Liberty" at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel.
During a “Recommitment to Patriotism” Ceremony at
the Chapel, Orie will honor the bravery of the flight and crew of Flight 93.
“They were ordinary people, who displayed
extraordinary courage and valor,” Orie said. “They represent all that is good
about America, and we can never forget them.”
Senator Orie was creator and founder of the Hearts
of Steel Bracelet Project, which raised more than a million dollars to build a
Flight 93 Memorial.
“This is such an honor to light this torch and honor
those who, in giving their lives, saved many more,” Orie said “The Memorial
Torch of Liberty is a perpetual symbol of their patriotism, and will forever
burn in radiance as a beacon of their heroism, courage and strength.”
Orie will be joined by state and local officials,
school children, and others who have been a part of the project. It will be
followed by a declaration of the names of the heroes of Flight 93, and music by
the North Star Kids and Allison Gillis.
Annie Snyder of the North Star Kids said her
organization has been raising funds for the project for almost three years,
collecting over $8,000 for the Memorial Torch.
“The families of the victims of flight 93 have asked
just one thing, that we remember what happened here on September 11,” Snyder
said. “By lighting the torch we plan to make sure everyone does.”
Father Alphonse Mascherino, who serves as chaplain,
will also take part in the ceremony. He said the Memorial Torch is finally
complete, after two years of dedicated work by hundreds of children and their
families, who worked to raise funds.
“The quarter billion candlepower light beam shines
every night into the night sky and can be seen for a radius of 25 miles,
reminding all who see it, or pass by, that this is the place where heroes died
that we might live in freedom,” Father Mascherino said. “The Memorial Torch is
a gift from the present generation to future, reminding all that defending
Liberty is everyone's obligation.”
On Sun., Sept. 11, there will be a noon mass,
followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. An 8 p.m. peace vigil will end the
observance.
For more information, visit the memorial's website
at www.flt93memorialchapel.org.
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