The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard (USNCG) visited the National Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset, Pennsylvania, Sept. 10-11 to honor the victims and heroes on the aircraft that crashed as a result of the terror attacks of 9/11.

The occasion marked the first U.S. armed forces visit to the site to honor the victims of Flight 93 on the 15-year anniversary of 9/11, and the USNCG provided an official U.S. flag dedicated to the victims at the memorial's historic Wall of Names.

Construction on the Flight 93 Memorial Plaza, including the Wall of Names, began Nov. 7, 2009 and the memorial was finally dedicated Sept. 10, 2011. The wall is built along the flight path of Flight 93 and features the names of the 40 passengers and crew who perished thwarting the hijackers' planned terrorist attack.

The Ceremonial Guard personnel felt honored to be with family members of the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and remember the sacrifices they made 15 years ago to prevent further destruction and loss of life.

"They were very positive; it seemed like they were just as honored to have us there as we were honored to be there," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class James Chamberlain, a participant in the ceremonies. "I think they enjoyed the fact that the military was honoring their family members even though they weren't in the military."

Information Systems Technician Seaman Ian Vikoski, a participant in the flag folding ceremony, said that he has seen several of the previous ceremonies and appreciates finally being able to be there. Vikoski said he would be honored to repeat the performances at the memorial every year.

"I wish I could do every single memorial if possible," he said. "This is the most intense thing I've ever done with the Ceremonial Guard. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Chamberlain had the opportunity to participate in the luminaria ceremony on the evening of Sept. 10. During the ceremony, he was able to carry the lantern for passenger Richard Guadagno and place the lantern at his name on the wall of the memorial. Guadagno was on Flight 93 originally to visit his home to attend his grandmother's 100th birthday celebration.

"My favorite part of the event was the luminaria," he said. "I got to represent Richard Guadagno and I was able to be there for him while his family was unable to be there. It was good to see everyone there and the support they showed to the military and this nation's heroes."

Chamberlain said he appreciates being able to show the same kind of support to these civilian heroes that he so often receives as a service member.

"Wherever we go, we always hear civilians thank us for what we do," he said. "It feels really good to show that same kind of gratitude for people who've sacrificed so much to protect American lives and to honor their lives with their families."

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