PA Historic Places

Visiting Patriot Park in Somerset County

A collage of four photos taken at Patriot Park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, each representing different elements of the park's dedication to honoring America's Post 9-11 Global War on Terrorism Armed Forces. The top left image features a field of American flags with a silhouette of a kneeling soldier and a battlefield cross, symbolizing respect and remembrance. The top right image shows the park's entrance sign directing visitors to the "Post 9/11 U.S. Armed Forces Memorial," accompanied by an American flag and a military Humvee. The bottom left image highlights a Gold Star Memorial plaque, dedicated to families who have lost loved ones in defense of the United States. The bottom right image illustrates the park's future vision, showcasing plans for expansion, including a visitor center and additional memorials. The collage encapsulates the park's mission to honor the sacrifices of those who served and their families.

Patriot Park near Shanksville is a memorial intended to honor all those who served in the United States military during the Global War on Terrorism, including those who died in the line of duty.

The Field of Heroes contains more than 7.000 flags, each representing a member of the Armed Services who died during the Global War on Terrorism. — The Field of Heroes contains more than 7.000 flags, each representing a member of the U.S. Armed Services who died during the Global War on Terrorism.

Like the nearby Flight 93 Memorial Chapel and the Remember Me Rose Garden, Patriot Park is privately-funded, relying on donations rather than the financial backing of the United States government.

A donation box at Patriot Park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, encouraging visitors to contribute to the Patriot Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The box is labeled with a prominent "Thank You" sign and a QR code for easy digital donations. The text below explains that all donations are appreciated and will be used for the maintenance and growth of the park. The donation box is set against a backdrop of green foliage, symbolizing the park's serene and respectful environment dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of America's Post 9-11 Armed Forces. — The founders of Patriot Park are private citizens and companies, not the United States government.

Patriot Park will eventually feature a permanent education center, with interactive displays, exhibits, classrooms, and a theater.

A display at Patriot Park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the "Vision for the Future" of the park. The illustration depicts the proposed layout of the park's expansion, including a Visitor and Education Center, a bronze Battle Cross/Kneeling Soldier Statue, the Names of the Fallen Memorial Wall, and a Field of Honor Flag Display featuring 7,000 flags. The image is set against a backdrop of lush greenery, highlighting the serene and respectful environment of the park. The accompanying text encourages support for completing the park's mission to honor those who served and sacrificed in America's Post 9-11 Global War on Terrorism. The display also includes contact information for the Patriot Park Foundation. — An artistic rendition of what the Gold Star Memorial Plaza at Patriot Park will someday look like.

But even now, the Field of Heroes Flag Display is very moving and absolutely worth a visit before or after stopping at the Flight 93 National Memorial across the road.

The Field of Heroes at Patriot Park near Shanksville. Pennsylvania. — The Field of Heroes Flag Display at Patriot Park on Labor Day Weekend 2021.

Directions to Patriot Park Near Shanksville

Patriot Park is located just a half mile west of the entrance to the Flight 93 National Memorial, along Route 30 in Somerset County.

A map to the Remember Me Rose Garden along Route 30 (the Lincoln Highway) near the Flight 93 National Memorial. — A map to Patriot Park, just west of the Flight 93 National Memorial entrance along Route 30.

If navigating by GPS use 6150 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, Pennsylvania 15563 as the street address.

The entrance to Patriot Park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, featuring a large brown sign directing visitors to the "Post 9/11 U.S. Armed Forces Memorial." The sign is positioned near a well-maintained flower bed and includes the Patriot Park Foundation's website. To the left of the sign stands an American flag on a tall pole, and a military Humvee is parked nearby under the shade of trees. The background includes a small building and lush greenery, symbolizing the park's dedication to honoring the sacrifices of America's Post 9-11 Armed Forces in a peaceful, reflective setting. — Entrance to Patriot Park along Route 30 near the Flight 93 National Memorial.

Viewing the Field of Heroes

The enormity of the loss of lives becomes all to clear as you gaze out over more than 7,000 flags representing those who died in the line of duty.

Looking out over the Field of Heroes on a September morning.

Various storyboards give more context to the sight before you.

Statistics about the Global War on Terrorism.

And some of the storyboards put names and faces to the flags in a powerful way.

SSgt Brian Hause storyboard near the Field of Heroes at Patriot Park.

This memorial plaque, for example, honors the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate on August 26th, 2021.

A memorial plaque at Patriot Park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, honoring the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives at Kabul Airport's Abbey Gate on August 26th, 2021. The plaque features photos of each fallen hero along with their names, ages, hometowns, and branches of service. The solemn tribute includes both Marines and one Navy Corpsman, symbolizing their bravery and sacrifice in the Global War on Terrorism. The display is part of Patriot Park's mission to remember and honor those who served post-9/11.

Located inside the northern boundary of Flight 93 National Memorial, Patriot Park is perfectly situated to honor those who served and died in the Global War on Terrorism since 9/11/2001.

One of the story boards explaining the purpose of Patriot Park near Shanksville, PA.

Travelling Exhibits at Patriot Park

I was fortunate enough to visit Patriot Park on the weekend of the dedication ceremony, where two travelling exhibits related to the Global War on Terrorism were invited to set up as well.

Remembering Our Fallen National Tour at Patriot Park for the dedication ceremony weekend. — **Remembering Our Fallen National Tour** at Patriot Park for the dedication ceremony weekend.

Remembering Our Fallen is a travelling photographic war memorial that also honors the United States’ post-9/11 military Fallen.

One of the Remembering Our Fallen tribute towers honoring our post-9/11 military Fallen. — One of the **Remembering Our Fallen** tribute towers honoring our post-9/11 military Fallen.

As with the Field of Heroes Flag Display, the enormity of loss really hits home when you see row after row of photos of those who died in the line of duty.

Remembering Our Fallen photographic war memorial at Patriot Park on Labor Day weekend 2021. — **Remembering Our Fallen** photographic war memorial at Patriot Park on Labor Day weekend 2021.

I was also fortunate enough to spend time talking with Brent Melton of the Global War on Terrorism History Project.

"We Fight What You Fear" written on a helmet in the Global War on Terrorism History Project exhibit at Patriot Park. — **“We Fight What You Fear”** written on a helmet in the **Global War on Terrorism History Project** exhibit at Patriot Park.

Brent is a Veteran, storyteller, and historian whose mission is to collect and save the uniforms and stories of those who served in the Global War on Terrorism.

Uniforms in the travelling Global War on Terrorism History Project exhibit.

Each helmet and uniform in his display literally had a story attached to it, and seeing these tangible mementos left a lasting impact in my mind.

Helmets in the Global War on Terrorism History Project exhibit.

Final Thoughts on Patriot Park

Patriot Park is in the early stages of becoming home to a beautiful, permanent memorial to those who served in America’s military in the Global War on Terrorism, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

You can help make that vision a reality by visiting Patriot Park in person, or by visiting their official website, and making a donation to this most worthy of causes.

Purpose of the Field of Heroes Flag Display.

The Flight 93 National Memorial is literally right across the road, its entrance located a half-mile east of Patriot Park on Route 30 (the Lincoln Highway).

Sign near the entrance to the Flight 93 National Memorial.

The Flight 93 National Memorial is a tribute to the bravery, service, and sacrifice of the 40 passengers and crew members on board United Airlines Flight 93, who fought one of the first battles in the Global War on Terrorism in the skies over Pennsylvania.

View from the Wall of Names looking towards the Visitor Center at the Flight 93 National Memorial.

The Flight 93 Memorial Chapel is another privately-funded tribute to the passengers and crew of Flight 93, this one situated approximately 3 miles west of Shanksville.

The Flight 93 Memorial Chapel at the intersection of Coleman Station and Stutzmantown roads.

Opened on the first anniversary of 9/11, the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel houses an impressive display of donated memorabilia and tributes to the heroes of the Flight 93 story, and is a must-see when visiting the area.

The pulpit area of the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel.

The Remember Me Rose Garden, located less than a mile east of Patriot Park, is a living tribute to the passengers and crew aboard United Flight 93, who sacrificed their own lives to save countless others during the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on America.

Scenes from the Remember Me Rose Garden Flight 93 tribute in Somerset County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from the Remember Me Rose Garden near Shanksville, PA.

The Trail of Fallen Heroes is a driving tour that connects the four Somerset County memorials dedicated to the heroes of Flight 93 and the subsequent Global War on Terrorism.

The Trail of Fallen Heroes in Somerset County stops at 4 memorials dedicated to the heroes of Flight 93 and the subsequent Global War on Terrorism. — The Trail of Fallen Heroes driving tour in Somerset County, PA.

Nearby Attractions

The Glessner Covered Bridge is located less than 10 minutes from Patriot Park.

Fall foliage at Glessner Covered Bridge in Somerset County Pennsylvania — Fall foliage at Glessner Covered Bridge near Patriot Park.

If you happen to be visiting the area in October, 26 Fabulous Fall Foliage Destinations in the Laurel Highlands will show you why this part of PA is consistently ranked one of the best places in the United States for experiencing spectacular autumn views!

Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest. — Beam Rocks Overlook in the Laurel Highlands of PA.

22 Must-See Attractions in Somerset County is your guide to even more great things to see and do when visiting the area.

A collage of four images showcasing attractions in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features a fisherman by a creek in front of a picturesque red covered bridge surrounded by autumn foliage. The top right photo shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast landscape of colorful fall trees under a clear sky. The bottom left picture captures a well-lit tunnel with multiple lights creating a starburst effect. The bottom right image is a tranquil scene of a park with a bicyclist on a path next to a lake reflecting the vibrant autumn trees and blue sky. — Scenes from around Somerset County.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Centre County honors the service of Pennsylvanians in all branches of the military, from colonial times to the present day.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA. — The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg.

The 28th Division Global War on Terrorism Monument, erected in 2016, is one of more than 30 monuments and memorials on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum.

Global War on Terrorism Memorial at the Pennsylvania Military Museum.

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