Thread by @PhCrowther

The “Towers of Light” tribute at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, on the eve of the 19th anniversary of 9/11.

This is my first time since 2011 visiting the site now a truly impressive and moving National Memorial. There was no memorial and no National Park here at the time.

Here’s a look at the Flight 93 National Memorial on the eve of the 19th anniversary of 9/11.

Tributes left at the Flight 93 National Memorial on the eve of the 19th anniversary of 9/11.

Dusk at the Flight 93 National Memorial on the eve of the 19th anniversary of 9/11.

At the local diner, the front page from 12 September 2001: “Terror touches Somerset County”

And outside said diner, a serendipitous encounter with 101-year-old WWII veteran Sidney Walton. He’s met both Trump and Biden and is hoping for another chance this Friday at the Flight 93 National Memorial.

The front page in the Shanksville area on this 19th anniversary of 9/11.

Logistics for today: Trump and Biden are both coming to the Flight 93 National Memorial. Trump will be here in the morning, at the same time Biden will be at Ground Zero in New York City. Biden will then come to Pennsylvania in the afternoon.

Biden has already stated that today he will not be campaigning, and that all his commercials have been taken off the air for the day. No such move from the Trump campaign so far.

Of course, it goes without saying that Pennsylvania is a swing state and was won by a small margin by Trump in 2016. The area around Shanksville is very much Trump territory.

Plenty of houses in the Shanksville area decked out in Trump yard signs and flags, including those of the “No more bullshit” variety.

Visiting from Michigan: Tom Moren (65) a school bus driver, and Bruce Fealk (66) a crossing guard. Both are out of work because of the pandemic and are here outside the Flight 93 memorial to protest the President’s visit.

A line of large pick-up trucks festooned with Trump flags has also just made an appearance outside the Flight 93 memorial.

Donald and Melania Trump observing a moment’s silence inside Air Force One upon landing in Pennsylvania. Photo by White House pooler @anniekarni.

Per Biden pool report, @JoeBiden and @VP bumped elbows at the 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York City.

Overhearing a Trump supporter outside the Flight 93 memorial talking about a “man-made plandemic” that will go away after the election. His supporters are not wearing masks.

Trump supporters on the road outside the Flight 93 memorial. All they got to see was Marine One flying overhead.

Trump supporters outside the Flight 93 National Memorial.

And then there’s this poster.

Trump has now arrived at the Flight 93 National Memorial here in Pennsylvania.

Part of Trump’s prepared speech: “In their memory, we resolve to stand united as one American nation, to defend our freedoms—to uphold our values—to love our neighbors—to cherish our country—to care for our communities—to honor our heroes—and to NEVER FORGET.”

Trump is on his way back to Washington. Supporters are still lining the street outside the Flight 93 memorial, unlikely to catch a glimpse of the President.

Just over an hour after Trump’s departure, Biden has now landed at
Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, not far from the Flight 93 memorial.

9/11, nineteen years on. #flight93 #flight93memorial