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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign, Families of Flight 93 and PA State Senator Jane Orie Honor Volunteers Who Raised $1.1 Million for Flight 93 MemorialVolunteers Sold
100,000 "Hearts of Steel" Bracelets Memorial Campaign poised to begin new round of bracelet sales (Harrisburg, PA) -- Pennsylvania State Senator Jane Orie, Majority Whip, General Tommy R. Franks, USA (Ret), Honorary Co-Chair of the Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign and Director of National Park Foundation Board, and Gordon Felt, the President of the Families of Flight 93, today honored the organizations and individuals who sold more than 100,000 Hearts of Steel bracelets to raise $1.1 million for the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA. Also on hand for the luncheon, held at the Hilton Harrisburg, were Chris Sullivan, Chairman of the Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign and Director of the National Park Foundation Board, Joanne Hanley, National Park Service Superintendent of the Flight 93 National Memorial and William Jones, President of Penn United Technologies, the company that manufactured the bracelets, each inscribed, "We Remember 9-11-01, United We Stand." Verizon, Giant Eagle, the Harrisburg Hilton, Allegheny Energy, and the Hershey Company sponsored the luncheon. Launched by Senator Orie shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9-11, Hearts of Steel is an enduring tribute to the 40 extraordinary men and women who changed history while resisting a terrorist attack on our nation's capital. Their plane ultimately crashed in the remote fields of Shanksville on September 11, 2001. The unprecedented grassroots volunteer effort brought together Pennsylvania's steel industry, business sector and the local community in a campaign that drew support from veterans groups, and people around the country and around the world. The bracelets were manufactured free of charge by Penn United Technologies who along with Allegheny Ludlum Corporation and AK Steel donated tens of thousands of pounds of steel. Many other local organizations and individuals also contributed to the effort and the campaign which grew far beyond what anyone had originally expected. "Initially I had hoped that we might raise $10,000 through the Fund," said Senator Orie. "However, the resolve, determination and valor of passengers on Flight 93 touched so many people, not just here in Pennsylvania, but across our nation, who felt compelled to pay tribute to the sacrifices they made." In 2002, Pennsylvania businesses, unions, and individuals – some going door-to-door – volunteered their time and efforts to sell the Hearts of Steel bracelets, raising $1.1 million for the Flight 93 Memorial Campaign. Veterans organizations and soldiers around the world bought and distributed the bracelets, and many Olympic athletes wore them as a symbol of their pride in America. The donation, held in trust by the Pittsburgh Foundation, was formally conveyed to the Flight 93 Memorial Campaign led by the National Park Foundation in the spring of this year. The money will help to support further protection of the Shanksville crash site and construction of a visitor-accessible courtyard and plaza at the sacred ground. In recognition of this important initiative, 40 special Hearts of Steel bracelets – each bearing the name of a Flight 93 hero – will be included as part of the Flight 93 National Memorial permanent archives. The original stamping dye that helped create the first bracelet will also be part of the permanent archives. "The nationwide response to Hearts of Steel was simply overwhelming," said Senator Orie. "It is a testament to the nation's continued generosity. I want to thank all those involved, including my father Dr. John Orie and the many people who volunteered their time and donated materials and services. Your contributions are incalculable and priceless." "We are deeply grateful to Senator Orie and all the participating organizations and individuals for their heartfelt contributions to the Hearts of Steel Fund. A special thanks must also go to the Pittsburgh Foundation and for their administration of the trust. Finally, I can think of no better way to honor the memory of our loved ones than to include the 40 special bracelets as part of the National Memorial's permanent archives," said Mr. Felt. General Franks said, "The Hearts of Steel program has been a tremendous boost to our overall fundraising efforts. This donation brings us closer to achieving the necessary goals to complete our sacred obligation -- the construction of an inspiring permanent Flight 93 National Memorial. We are thankful to Senator Orie, the Pittsburgh Fund, all the Hearts of Steel volunteers, Penn United Technologies, Allegheny Ludlum Corporation and AK Steel for their generous commitment to this effort." "This was an incredible event and very emotional. I feel great satisfaction in making this gift, on behalf of all those who supported Hearts of Steel, including our wonderful event sponsors – Verizon, the Harrisburg Hilton, Giant Eagle, Allegheny Energy, and Hershey Candy," said Senator Orie. "The $1.1 million raised in less than one year through the Hearts of Steel program is really an incredible accomplishment. The Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign is excited about working with Senator Orie to re-launch this successful program," said Mr. Sullivan. "We deeply appreciate the tremendous generosity of the people involved with the Hearts of Steel program as well as all our contributors from America and around the world." To pre-order a bracelet or to help fund the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial or for more information about the Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign, contact flight93memorial@nationalparks.org or call 202-354-6488. About the Flight 93 National Memorial - On Sept. 24, 2002, Congress passed the Flight 93 National Memorial Act. The Act created a new national park unit to commemorate the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who, on Sept. 11, 2001 courageously gave their lives, thereby thwarting a planned attack on our nation's capital. The Memorial is near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed with the loss of its heroic 40 passengers and crew. A capital campaign to support building the Memorial is being conducted by the National Park Foundation. For more information visit www.honorflight93.org. CONTACT: FOR SENATOR JANE ORIE FOR FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL CAMPAIGN AND FAMILIES OF
FLIGHT 93
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