This Unexpected Piece Of American History Is Hidden In A Small Town Near Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published October 19, 2018
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Do you remember where you were at on September 11, 2001? Though long ago, this is a day many Americans will never forget. Three planes struck American buildings, but one lone flight – Flight 93 – crashed into the ground, taking only its brave passengers as casualties. The flight, which had been headed for San Francisco, made a U-turn just west of Cleveland as its hijackers set course for Washington, D.C. Though the tragedy may feel years ago and miles away from our cozy community, a little piece of that heartbreaking day in American history has found a home in a small town near Cleveland.
In remembrance of the lives lost and the tragedies faced by survivors, one piece of American history has been proudly displayed in Medina, Ohio.
It took a great deal of heat to twist the bolts of this beam, which is truly staggering to see. Photos do not do it justice. Though you may remember exactly where and when you learned of the events of September 11, to see a piece of the destruction is a moving experience.
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You may wonder what this artifact’s connection is to the City of Medina.
It was 10:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001, when United Airlines Flight 93 passed over Medina County. Shortly thereafter, it crashed in Pennsylvania. The hijacked flight was headed toward Washington, D.C. when brave passengers decided to take matters into their own hands. The memorial pays homage to these courageous souls.
The tragic event resulted in 1.8 million tons of debris. Salvaged remnants were saved, and many pieces have been distributed across the nation over the years.
The monument is made of two paved circles, which represent the cross-section of a plane. You may also notice the design of a wing in the granite.
Whether you bring a picnic to the pavilion or just sit on the surrounding benches to get lost in thought, a trip to this incredible memorial is sure to be emotional.
Little gifts and flowers have been left at the base of the sculpture, and they bring to mind those we lost, the brave first responders, and those we’ve saved. They cause one to consider how one tragedy caused our nation to come together as one giant community in the wake of the disaster.
Americans will never forget that the deadliest act of terrorism took place on our own soil. It was many years ago now, but it is still fresh in our minds and hearts. A piece of that day is now a permanent fixture in this small town near Cleveland, and a visit to it is both humbling and moving.
You’ll find the monument located at 300 W. Reagan Pkwy., Medina, OH.
