Students visit Flight 93 National Memorial

Fourth grade students at Meyersdale Area Elementary School recently visited the Flight 93 National Memorial.

Fourth grade Meyersdale Area Elementary (MAES) students had a special opportunity in October to experience history and learn how western Pennsylvania became known nationwide following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Students traveled to the Flight 93 National Memorial to learn more about the brave men and women who died that fateful day.

In the weeks leading up to their visit, fourth graders learned about the events that occurred on September 11th and the bravery and patriotism demonstrated by the crew and passengers of Flight 93.

The trip included an amazing guided tour of the grounds and Visitors Center with Ranger Gregory and a nature walk along the trail. They concluded their trip with a stop at the Tower of Voices, a 95-foot tall musical instrument of 40 chimes representing the 40 passengers and crew members aboard the plane.

“These kinds of life experiences are of the utmost importance and simply would not be able to be taught in a classroom setting. Our students now have an understanding of the events that happened that day and the impacts that they had on our great nation and nearby communities,” explained Kim Berkley, fourth grade teacher.

Berkley said the experience connected students with the legacy of courage and patriotism demonstrated by the passengers and crew in a profound and meaningful manner. Students learned about the individuals and the events of that day through recordings, exhibits and videos, as well as information shared by the tour guide about local witness accounts of the actual event as well as the days, weeks and months following the event.

“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity, by our school board, for both our students and ourselves. The knowledge that our students gained from this experience is invaluable. Students now have a better understanding of the selfless acts of the passengers of Flight 93 and how those actions saved the lives of others,” Berkley explained. “Our students now understand that although that day was tragic, many positive things happened because of it. Our nation came together, our security grew stronger, and the goodwill of humanity was witnessed from heroes locally, nationally and worldwide.”