Flight 93 fathers speak from opposite sides of controversy at memorial meeting

Local News

Discussion

August 2, 2008

By KIRK SWAUGER The Tribune-Democrat Sat Aug 02, 2008, 11:10 PM EDT

SOMERSET — When passengers rushed the cockpit of hijacked Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, Todd Beamer and Tom Burnett were united in purpose.

Now, their fathers are divided over what has become a controversial design for the memorial where the jet crashed near Shanksville.

The two were among more than a dozen speakers at an emotional Flight 93 Advisory Commission and Task Force meeting Saturday at the Somerset County Courthouse.

“Once upon a time, our sons were in the back, united,” David Beamer said, looking at Tom Burnett Sr. “It does sadden me hearing that Beamer and Burnett are not united in our views about this project.”

Burnett is among critics of the design who maintain that its broken circle of trees signifies an Islamic crescent that pays tribute to the four terrorists who were on board.

“It’s a cataclysmic mistake that’s being made,” Burnett said. “I’m speaking to every American that we must stop this terror. We must stop it. It’s mind-boggling.”

Burnett, a member of the second jury that chose the design from among five finalists, is calling for an independent investigation.

“I think it’s a travesty that it’s moving along so fast,” he said. “We need an investigation. I’ve done my best.”

Park service officials and advisory commission members maintain the design was selected fairly from among more than 1,100 entries.

National Park Service Flight 93 Superintendent Joanne Hanley defended her motives, saying she is holding true to her values, country and God.

“It stands on the truth,” Hanley said.

“Truth does not change. It is not based on changing facts to support a theory.”

Hanley said the two breaks in the circle of trees represent the plane’s flight path and final resting place.

“It marks exactly where the first battle (against terrorism) was won by the passengers and crew,” she said.

Alec Rawls, a California author who has spearheaded criticism of the design, said officials are ignoring the obvious.

“You can’t come up with a clearer description of al-Quaida victory,” Rawls said. “You are choosing not to see this. But it’s there. This is the world’s largest mosque by a factor of 100.”

Advisory Commission member Calvin Wilson said the controversy is like a cancer.

“We understand our cancer,” he said.

“We’ll deal with our cancer. But this memorial will get built.”

Wilson said he is outraged by threats Hanley said she has received from people warning they’ll try to ruin her career.

“The fact that we have Americans acting like terrorists is most disturbing,” he said.

The initial phase of the memorial is expected to be completed by the 10th anniversary of the crash. The visitors center and other aspects are projected to be done later, as funding allows.

Officials said they have raised nearly $13 million toward the $30 million goal in private donations.

“You can’t build a memorial that’s more compelling, more respectful and more dignified,” Hanley said.

Patrick White, co-chairman of the task force, said the concerns have been addressed repeatedly.

“What we’ve heard today are opinions looking to be grounded in fact,” White said.

“I believe in what we do. I believe in who we are.”

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Boil-water notice issued in Upper Yoder Township

A boil-water notice has been issued for a portion of Upper Yoder Township as crews work to repair a leak along Route 271.

February 3, 2012
No NDIC jobs to stay in city
After years of political clashes and fiscal uncertainty, these are the facts of the National Drug Intelligence Center’s final days:
• 87: The number of employees losing their jobs as NDIC operations wind down this year.
• 57: The number of staffers, aside from those 87, who will be offered jobs in Washington, D.C.
• Zero: The number of NDIC-related jobs that will remain in Johnstown.

February 2, 2012
Blogging with heart
I had a couple of interesting interviews over the past 24 hours. The first was with an ambitious Forest Hills High School junior who organized a Red Out across the district today in support of American Heart Association. Like many of those involved in Heart Association benefits, Spencer Ivock was inspired by his own family members' experience with heart disease.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
Forest Hills junior puts his heart into Red Out
Forest Hills junior Spencer Ivock is “redding out” the schools today for his senior project.

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
Local pair accused of robbing home twice
A Johnstown couple has been charged with breaking into a Lower Yoder Township home twice in a four-month period – and then selling, for $103, some of the thousands of dollars in goods they alleged swiped.

February 2, 2012 2 Photos
Steel firm considers coal mine near Que
Cambria Somerset Authority officials plan to meet this week with representatives of an Ohio-based steel company about a plan that could put a coal mine south of the Quemahoning Reservoir.

February 2, 2012
In brief: Somerset motorist dies in crash
A 28-year-old Somerset man was killed Thursday morning when his vehicle left the road, hit a drainage ditch and rolled over.

February 2, 2012
Births 02/03/2012
February 2, 2012
[VIDEO] Party in Punxsutawney: Groundhog Day is about more than seeing shadows
For the thousands who show up at Gobbler's Knob as early as 8 p.m. on Feb. 1, Groundhog Day is about more than whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow: It's an excuse to party.
The Tribune-Democrat's Justin Dennis spent the night among the masses and captured all of the festivities on film.

February 2, 2012
[VIDEO] Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction
More than 18,000 people – some representing states as far away as Arkansas and Oregon – crammed into the outdoor amphitheatre of Gobbler’s Knob on Thursday for the annual weather party known as Groundhog Day.

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Flight 93 fathers speak from opposite sides of controversy at memorial meeting

Where will you watch the Super Bowl?

Contact Us