WASHINGTON, DC – Paying tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001, Congressional Gold Medals secured by Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) were presented today to representatives of the Flight 93 memorial, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, and the Pentagon Memorial during a presentation at Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, DC.

“The passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, recognizing the imminent danger that their aircraft posed, took selfless and heroic action to ensure that the aircraft could not be used as a weapon,” said Congressman Shuster in his remarks at the Gold Medal presentation. “By giving the ultimate sacrifice that day, those heroes saved the lives of countless men, women and children, American institutions, and the symbols of American democracy, most likely the complex we are standing in today.  The United States Congress is honored by this opportunity to further pay tribute to the heroic men and women by officially recognizing those who lost their lives that fateful day.”

At the request of the families of Flight 93, Congressman Shuster secured the Gold Medals through his legislation H.R. 3421, the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act. The medals, which are the highest civilian award Congress can bestow, pay tribute to the heroic action that took place on Flight 93 and to the police, firefighters, and regular working Americans that lost their lives in New York City and Washington, DC.

“I represent Shanksville, Pennsylvania— the area where Flight 93 went down, and, more importantly, where the first counterattack in the war on terror occurred,” continued Shuster in his remarks. “It has been an honor for me to work closely with the Families of Flight 93 over the years on key initiatives, including funding the Flight 93 National Memorial and awarding the 9/11 heroes a Congressional Gold Medal.”

Congressman Shuster was joined at the ceremony by Speaker John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senator Bob Casey. The Gold Medal for the Flight 93 Memorial was accepted by Gordon Felt, President, Families of Flight 93.

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