newark Airport Donates Historic Gate Sign to Flight 93 Memorial
NEWARK, NJ – September 11, 2024 – A gate sign from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), once marking the departure point for United Airlines Flight 93, has been formally donated to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, pennsylvania. The sign, originally from Gate A17, served as the last boarding location for the passengers and crew before the aircraft’s fateful flight on September 11, 2001.
The donation represents a poignant gesture of remembrance and solidarity, preserving a tangible piece of history for future generations. Flight 93, originating from Newark and bound for San Francisco International Airport, crashed in a field near Shanksville after passengers and crew bravely resisted the hijackers, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target. The act of remembrance is especially meaningful as the nation continues to grapple with the enduring legacy of the September 11 attacks, which claimed 2,977 lives excluding the hijackers and profoundly altered American society.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark Airport, presented the sign to representatives from the National Park Service and the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial during a private ceremony on September 10, 2024. the sign will be incorporated into the memorial’s exhibits, offering visitors a direct connection to the events of that day and honoring the 40 passengers and crew members who perished.
United Airlines Flight 93 departed Newark at 10:03 AM EDT on September 11, 2001, piloted by Captain jason Dahl and First Officer Rick Gober. The Boeing 757-200 was carrying 65 passengers and crew. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon,passengers learned of the earlier hijackings and made the brave decision to fight back against the four terrorists aboard. Their actions diverted the plane from its presumed target in Washington, D.C.
The donation of the gate sign underscores the ongoing commitment to honoring the heroism of those aboard Flight 93 and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. The Flight 93 National Memorial, dedicated in 2015, serves as a lasting tribute to their bravery and a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorism. The memorial continues to expand its offerings, including educational programs and exhibits, to preserve the memory of the events and promote understanding for years to come.
