Posted on September 11, 2007

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Flight 93 Memorial Fund Transferred to Pittsburgh Foundation

The Pittsburgh Foundation has announced the establishment of a $1 million fund to support construction of a memorial commemorating the heroism of passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The Hearts of Steel Fund received donations from individuals, families, and organizations throughout the United States after Pennsylvania state senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) launched a campaign to keep alive the memory of the passengers who died in the crash. The fund was closed and placed in trust in 2003 after it grew to $1 million. Its transfer to the Pittsburgh Foundation will enable the fund to reopen for additional contributions, with the eventual goal being the construction of a memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. In addition, the foundation announced that it has taken control of all back-office financial management, processing, and administrative functions for the fund.

"The timing of this development is special and significant as we prepare to mark the sixth anniversary of the remarkable and selfless heroism of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, and as plans move forward for the construction of a permanent and lasting memorial in their honor," said Orie. "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."

“$1M Hearts of Steel Fund Established at the Pittsburgh Foundation.” Pittsburgh Foundation Press Release 9/06/07.

Primary Subject: 9/11 Response
Location(s): Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Somerset County

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