| Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster today reintroduced legislation to posthumously award a congressional gold medal on behalf of the passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 who resisted the terrorists who hijacked their flight on September 11, 2001.
“The passengers and crew of Flight 93 were the first to fight back after the opening attack of what has become the War on Terror,” Shuster said. “This gold medal represents a lasting tribute to their heroism and sacrifice.”
Shuster introduced similar legislation in the 109th Congress; however, that bill expired at the end of that Congress. Today’s re-introduction renews Shuster’s effort to secure the gold medal for the passengers and crew of Flight 93. Shuster reintroduced the legislation with 59 original cosponsors; 38 more than last time and he continues to seek more support from his colleagues.
“The men and women aboard that flight were regular Americans, people like you and me, who recognized the greater danger posed by the terrorists who presumably sought to fly the plane into the U.S. Capitol. They took it upon themselves to do something monumentally heroic and sacrificed their lives to save countless others.”
Shuster’s legislation would require the Department of the Treasury to strike a single gold medal of a suitable design to be presented to the National Flight 93 Memorial in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County for display and research.
Today’s introduction follows yesterday’s announcement that the Department of Interior has approved the use $5 million from their Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase land for the construction of the permanent Flight 93 Memorial.
“I am pleased to see the Memorial pass this crucial step in its transition from idea to reality. I will fight in Congress to make sure the passengers’ gold medal becomes a part of that lasting tribute.”
The Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded since 1776. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), this medal is considered the most distinguished award from Congress. Gold Medals were initially presented to military leaders, but have also been given to such diverse individuals as Sir Winston Churchill, Bob Hope and many more as a public expression of gratitude by Congress for exceptional contributions to America. |
