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Victims Of 9/11 Remembered At Luminary Service In Shanksville

SHANKSVILLE (KDKA) -- People around the country are paying their respects to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Nearly 10 years ago, thousands of lives were lost on that fateful day.

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, thousands have gathered in Shanksville, Somerset County, to remember the heroes of Flight 93.

After an emotional ceremony to dedicate the first phase of the Flight 93 National Memorial Saturday afternoon, a candlelight service was held to end the day of remembrance.

Nearly 3,000 luminaries lit Memorial Plaza, one for each person whose life was lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

"This has been a really bittersweet and beautiful day," said Alice Hoagland, the mother of Flight 93 passenger Mark Bingham.

A group of 50 United Airlines flight attendants traveled from New York to see the memorial, all were close friends and co-workers of Flight 93 flight attendant, Lorraine Bay.

"It's beautiful, it's powerful," said Debra Cooke, a United Airlines flight attendant.

"Actually, I sense a great sense of peace out here," added Penny Dalton, another flight attendant. "I know it was a horrific day, but I really believe God's peace was over that whole situation."

Luminaries stretched the entire length of the Memorial Plaza and also along the Wall of Names, illuminating Flight 93's path when 40 heroes brought it out of the sky.

"Dusk is a lovely time of night and the candles are a remarkably appropriate way to celebrate a life," added Hoagland.

RELATED LINKS:
Flight 93 Memorial
9/11: 10 Years Later
Flight 93 Memorial Dedication Speeches
Thousands Attend Flight 93 Memorial Dedication In Shanksville
Photo Gallery: Shanksville Dedication Ceremony Scenes
Photo Gallery: Flight 93 National Memorial Dedication Ceremony
Photo Gallery: Candlelight Service In Shanksville Honors 9/11 Victims

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