Follow us on

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 | 11:49 p.m.

Updated: 10:48 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2006 | Posted: 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Flight 93 Families React To Congressman's Bid To Stop Funding For Memorial

WASHINGTON, DC —

With the movie "United 93" opening across the country this Friday, the nation is once again focused on the tragedy in Somerset County. But those related to the victims of the crash want to make sure their loved ones will be remembered once the film leaves theatres. Wednesday, they went to Washington D.C. to make a plea.

It's believed that United Flight 93 was headed for the United States Capitol when it crashed in Shanksville, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. That's where family members want to build a memorial, but someone on Capitol Hill may be holding things up.

Calvin Wilson, who lost his brother-in-law on Flight 93, said, "Remember what you felt like when you heard about the event. That's what we feel everyday."

A barren stretch of land is the battleground where heroes defeated terrorism, paying for it with their lives. Now those who loved them want help paying for a memorial for the passengers and crew of Flight 93.

Wilson said, "I don't need a memorial. But we felt in our hearts the very first day it happened, that you folks need a memorial. That you need to remember the 40 heroes."

Family and friends have committed to raising half of the 60 million dollars needed for the memorial. This year, the president asked Congress to chip in $5 million to buy the land, but one congressman, Representative Charles Taylor, has put on the brakes.

Representative. Bill Shuster, (R) 9th District, said "Congressman Taylor, he wants to be a steward of taxpayer dollars, I understand that. "

Sen. Rick Santorum, (R) Pennsylvania, said, "At the same time, we need to move forward on this project."

Family members have already raised $7.5 million. And starting Friday, more will be raised. Universal Pictures plans to donate 10 percent of "United 93" opening weekend box office sales.

Ben Wainio, who lost his daughter on United 93, said, "I want you to see it this weekend, because we want as many dollars we can get to be put forward to the memorial."

Family members would like to see the memorial opened on September 11th, 2011. That's why they say it's important to get funding this year. We called to get comment from the congressman who's holding up the funding. Our calls were not returned.

Related Story: Visitors To Flight 93 Memorial Say No To Congressman's Plan To Stop Funding

More News

 
 
 

© 2013 Sinclair Broadcast Group. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad ChoicesAdChoices.