The 9/11 National Memorial Trail Alliance

The following post, authored by Leanne Janowski, Communications Coordinator of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, speaks to the 9/11 National Memorial Trail resolution on the heels of the 20th anniversary of the tragic event.

For those who may not know, The September 11th National Memorial Trail is a 1,300-mile system of trails and roadways that links the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The route serves as a symbol of national resiliency and character and as a tribute to the fallen heroes who perished on September 11, 2001, as well as the responders and volunteers who put their lives on the line for our country.

It’s hard to fathom that 20 years have passed since September 11, 2001… the day our country experienced the horrendous attack that destroyed the lives of nearly 3,000 men, women, and children, and traumatized an entire nation.

In the following days, weeks, and months, America’s resiliency was put to the test. Once the dust settled and the reality of it all hit hard, one exemplary American knew what he had to do. David Brickley, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance founder and president emeritus, quickly got to work and proposed a path of dedication to honor all of the heroes.

On September 16, 2001, less than a week after the attack on our nation, David began working diligently with the Mid-Atlantic Governors’ Conference on Greenways, Blueways, and Green Infrastructure. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and at the conclusion of the conference, the concept of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail was born. The ultimate goal was to forge a trail of honor and establish a physical place of dedication, reflection, and remembrance.

As we reflect on this monumental anniversary, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance encourages all of us to continue honoring the promise we made 20 years ago… to never forget.

Additionally, as we approach the 20-year anniversary of 9/11, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance has been working feverishly to secure federal designation of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. This legislation paves the way for the Secretary of Interior to authorize the designation of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail as a national touring route that links the three 9/11 national memorials together… Shanksville, PA, New York City, NY, and Arlington, VA.

The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is thrilled to share that on Thursday, July 29, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously (423–0) to support and pass legislation H.R. 2278. The passing of our legislation by the House of Representatives is a monumental step toward our ultimate goal of the bill being signed into law by President Biden. 

To learn more about how you can support the federal designation initiative, please visit www.911trail.org/support-the-designation.