PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — On Friday, the nation marked the 25th anniversary of the Flight 93 crash near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
At 10:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001, the hijacked aircraft crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township after passengers attempted to regain control from four al-Qaeda hijackers. All 44 individuals onboard, including 33 passengers and seven crew members, were killed.
Significant emergency response followed the crash, involving local and federal agencies. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army also provided support in the aftermath.
Patti Anewalt, a grief counselor and former Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer, arrived in Shanksville on September 12 and served for two weeks. Her role involved providing emotional support to families and recovery workers during a profoundly difficult time.
“Families were bused to the crash site for closure; some needed to see it, while others declined,” Anewalt said. A prayer service was held in Somerset County, attended by community members and families affected by the tragedy.
Anewalt emphasized the importance of addressing the event's impact with children, noting, “It's essential to explain what they see in the media is recorded, not happening in real time.”
As the day of remembrance unfolded, she reflected on the profound nature of grief. “We don't get over loss. We learn how to live with it,” Anewalt said, reminding others of the enduring emotional journey for those affected.