Patriot Park Global War On Terrorism Memorial
Patriot Park Design
Patriot Park is a project takin shape in Somerset County, Pennsylvania within the boundary of Flight 93 National Memorial.
The battle that raged onboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, prevented what would have been another awful tragedy on an already tragic day. In fact, the passengers onboard Flight 93 can be referred to as, “the first combatants’ in what came to be known as the “Global War on Terrorism”. Since that infamous day, millions of Americans have bravely served in the military and over 7000 brave men and women have lost their lives in the Nation’s efforts to eradicate terrorism. Thousands more have suffered severe and debilitating injuries. Patriot Park Global War On Terrorism Memorial has been conceived as a place where our gratitude can be expressed.
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Nestled inside the northern boundary of Flight 93 National Memorial, the site is perfectly situated to serve this worthy purpose. The Park is located on the land beneath the skies where the battle on United Airlines Flight 93 raged. The bravery exhibited by the passengers and crew onboard Flight 93 on that day inspired many young Americans to enlist in the Armed Forces.
The attacks against The United States of America that took place on September 11, 2001 forever changed our Nation.
The resulting loss of life and destruction was unlike anything the country had ever experienced, comparable only to the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. 9/11 would become an infamous term in American history, and each of us remembers where we were and what we were doing on that fateful morning. With the help of our allies, America launched the Global War on Terrorism and called upon its citizens to support and carry out the war effort.
Many Reserve and National Guard Units were called to serve alongside Active Duty Units. Deployment could last up to 12 months, but many service members experienced multiple deployments. Families were separated for long periods of time, and many endured social and financial burdens. The sacrifices these servicemen and women made must be honored and never forgotten.
The Nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to those brave men and women who rose to the challenge and did their patriotic duty by serving their country during this time of need.
Patriot Park serves as a focal point to tell the story of those who fought the Global War on Terrorism. The Park is a haven to honor and recognize the sacrifices of the millions of service men and women who served their country in the aftermath of 9/11.
We provide special recognition for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our Country.
The Park also honors the families of service members for the sacrifices they made in support of their loved ones.
Patriot Park hopes to motivate and inspire visitors to become patriotic citizens so the sacrifices of our veterans to protect our freedom are not in vain.
Park Features
The Field of Heroes Flag Display contains 7,054 flags, one flag for each post 9/11 service man or woman who has given his or her life to protect our freedom.
The Names of the Fallen Display, located under the gazebo at the end of the plaza, contains the names and information on each of the 7054 fallen heroes. The Field of Heroes and The Names of the Fallen provide a visual reminder of the enormous price of freedom and serve to reinforce our resolve as citizens to do our civic obligations so those who died will not have died in vain.
Storyboards surrounding the Field of Heroes Plaza recount for visitors the heroism and sacrifice of our Post 9/11 service men and women and their families
Future Plans
The Field of Heroes Flag Display, although originally envisioned as a temporary display, has been so well received by visitors that our Board decided it must become a permanent year-round feature at the Park. Plans are underway for:
- A non-breakable supporting flag holder for each flag;
- Improving the plaza walkways with brick pavers;
- Adding an educational feature named the Timeline Trail. The Trail will provide a chronological history of the Global War on Terrorism;
- An Education/Visitor Center with interactive displays, exhibits, classrooms, and a theater;
- A permanent memorial bearing the Names of the Fallen.