Here in Pennsylvania, today is truly a day of remembrance and deep reflection.

We remember brave firefighters who climbed the steps of a crumbling World Trade Center to save lives though they most certainly knew it would cost them their own.

We remember courageous Americans who ignored searing heat and flame to save those caught inside the Pentagon.

And here, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, we remember heroes who unselfishly gave their lives so that others may live.

Now, one year later, as we reflect on their sacrifice, I can’t help but feel humbled at the incredible courage shown by ordinary Americans that day.

When many of us awoke on Sept. 11, America was a country at peace. Times were good. We hadn’t known war in quite some time.

Then, just like that, our peace was shattered by cowards who sought to destroy our way of life. They thought we were weak. They thought we would simply stand aside.

Early on the morning of Sept. 11, in the skies above us, they got their answer.

Americans will always rise to the challenge.

Americans will always fight for freedom.

And Americans will never surrender our way of life.

Today, we stand on a battlefield.

It is unlike other battlefields in our nation’s history because that day America’s first defenders weren’t battle tested.

They weren’t even armed.

They were ordinary Americans who were off to work or to visit family.

And in an instant, they became one of the most heralded military units in our nation’s rich history.

Some say that America’s war against terror really began when our armed forces landed in Afghanistan last October.

But we know better. Those of us here today know better.

It was here that freedom took its first stand.

And that’s why we come here together today to remember heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

They decided their fate wasn’t in the hands of terrorists.

It was in their own.

Their heroics are so incredibly pure — their sacrifice so enduring.

It calls to mind something a great American ally, Winston Churchill, once said: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

And this country will make good on that debt.

You know, a year ago, I came here mournfully at witnessing such great personal loss and the sad reality that there was precious little we could do. I was overcome by emotion because everything felt so painfully final.

But I was wrong. I was wrong because finality means something has reached an end.

But as I stand here, today, I continue to feel the indomitable spirit of America’s Flight 93 patriots. I feel it in my heart. And I see it in your eyes.

Make no mistake, they are more than remembered!

They are with us. They are forceful. And they are proud.

Thank you.

Mark Schweiker, governor of Pennsylvania

Remarks at Flight 93 Memorial Ceremony
Shanksville, Stony Creek Township, Pennsylvania
September 11, 2002