In Pa. Field, 9/11 Memorial Takes Shape

Dirt carvings highlight 'huge crescent pointing to Mecca,' critics charge

(NEWSER) - The latest Muslim brouhaha to erupt in the US involves an earthen memorial to 9/11 victims that "looks" Islamic, according to furious critics. The father of a passenger killed on Flight 93, which went down in Pennsylvania, is taking out an ad in a local newspaper blasting the planned "Field of Honor," because it looks to him like a huge Muslim crescent pointing to Mecca. The design controversy first emerged five years ago, but it has taken on a new life in the wake of the uproar over Manhattan's proposed Islamic center. More»

(NEWSER) - Colin Powell today honored the "gallant heroes" of United Flight 93 who fought back against their hijackers 8 years ago today. At a ceremony in Shanksville, Pa., where the plane went down, he likened them to the "citizen soldiers" who have fought for the US since its inception. "They refused to let it just happen," he said. Bells tolled for the 40 passengers and crew who were killed, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. More»

Groups battle landowner for control of Pa. crash site

(NEWSER) - Families seeking a permanent memorial for Flight 93 victims are asking President Bush to seize the land where the hijacked plane went down on Sept. 11, the Washington Post reports. An advocacy group initially tried to buy the land, but ran into conflict with the owner. "What was left was our loved ones; it's a cemetery for us," said one man who lost his brother in the crash. "We want to make sure it's not just being tramped across." More»

500 family members attend private ceremony

(NEWSER) - An honor guard played taps. American flags lay on caskets. Mourners put flowers on the casket lids. Nearly 500 family members attended the burial today of the remains of victims of Flight 93, at the new Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Penn. A Catholic priest, a Lutheran minister, a rabbi, and a Buddhist sensei officiated over the remains, which had been held in a crypt for 10 years, the AP reports. More»

Obamas pay respects in Shanksville

(NEWSER) - President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, placed a wreath at the Flight 93 National Memorial today, arriving at the site to pay respects to the 40 passengers and crew who died a decade ago. The Obamas visited the Wall of Names. Each of the 40 marble slabs is inscribed with the name of someone killed in the crash of United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001. More»