Bike Riders Visit 9/11 Memorial for Flight 93

To the Families of the Victims of 9/11 Flight 93, and the Shanksville Community,
On April 14, 2004, all of us who are a part of the Peace Ride for Tibet¹s Independence from Washington, DC to Toronto visited by bicycle the memorial site of Flight 93 that was crashed by terrorists. We were deeply touched by this memorial and location and wish to express our deep sympathies for all that you have lost and been forced to endure as a result of this brutal incident. Interestingly, our bike route took us through your community. Here is a glimpse of what we experienced in the presence of this memorial.    

When I first heard about the 9/11 hijackings, I immediately thought of how there needs to be an increased sense of awareness and tolerance for the religious and cultural differences that comprise our vast world.  My heart goes out to all those brave people who made decisions to ensure that more people¹s lives were spared, even at the cost of their own.
- Tenzin Norbu, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Being at the crash site for Flight 93 brought about sadness, yet it also exemplified happiness in me to see the world coming together to pay their respects for those who paid the ultimate price.
- Jigme Norbu, Bloomington, Indiana

It¹s sad and moving when I saw the site, and I thought about the expression of violence through technology. Being a refugee, and nationless all I can do is pray for the victims and their families, and to generate compassion for all human beings.
- Tenam, Indianapolis, Indiana

My heart goes out to you all for your courageous act of selflessness.  Many people in my Tibetan culture have made similar decisions with the same outcome.  One day I truly believe this type of violence will cease to be a concern, and I pray it comes soon.
- Rabka Rabka, Minneapolis, Minnesota

After visiting the memorial site and examining all the hats and other personal effects left behind by prior people who have been influenced by this tragedy, I feel it is most important that we educate ourselves about all cultures in order to devise peaceful solutions to our world¹s issues.
- Tashi Dorjee, Columbia Heights, Minnesota

We all know that we have to die someday, but the decision made by those on Flight 93 to sacrifice their lives in an effort to save many others is amazing.   They will always be honored and remembered, for our own Tibetan culture has many members who have done the same.
- Tsering Topden, Richfield, Minnesota

These acts of sacrifice will never be forgotten by all present and future generations.  Such an effort is hard for ordinary people to make.  Although I will never know you personally, my prayers will always be with you and yours.
- Namgyal Rabten, Fridley, Minnesota

It is hard to comprehend what it must have been like during those final moments, but I hope that if I am ever forced into a situation such as this, that I would have the courage and resolve to sacrifice myself for so many others.  I will remember being here as long as I live.
- Rinpo Tenzin, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Although we are facing some difficulties, like nearly getting hit by a truck and having to ride each day in the driving rain, none of it can compare to the selfless actions of those on that flight.  My prayers go out to you and your families who have also paid the ultimate sacrifice.
- Khedup T. Ritzekura, Fridley, Minnesota

I fight for Tibetan Freedom and Independence!  You have done the same for your own nation and its people and for that I admire and model myself after your actions.  Hopefully one day this will cease to be a reality.  World Peace will win over intolerance.
- Sonam Wangdu, New York, New York

As I struggle to maintain progress in my days riding for a Free Tibet and World Peace, I think of you and how willing you were to give your life for many people. I am greatly indebted to your sacrifice.
- Tenzin Sherab, Richfield, Minnesota    

When I began to feel pain as we rode from Washington, DC towards Toronto, the thought of how much you must have been hurting made it possible to carry on without fail.  You paid the ultimate price and for that many are still breathing.
- Tsering Samdup, Columbia Heights, Minnesota

As the wind was ripping through our rain gear and my hands became frozen to the frame of my bicycle, I realized that sacrifices like yours are why I am still breathing. Many members of my family and society have done the very same thing in order to preserve our culture in the face of a horrible force.  One day people will see the similarities instead of the differences and our collective smile will replace all these tears.
- Gendin Gyantso, Santa Monica, California

I am a new member of this country but that doesn't mean I wasn't greatly affected by these horrible actions. I know that when people think of 9/11 they immediately focus upon the World Trade Center, but those that lost their lives in Washington, and especially those on Flight 93 who voluntarily gave theirs up to save many more will never slip from my thoughts.
- Rabten Gyatso, Bloomington, Indiana

I felt the terrible suffering deep in the earth as we rode up to the site of the Shanksville 9/11 crash site. However, as the Buddhist prayers were chanted at the temporary memorial I felt their power for peace and those of thousands of other visitors outweigh what has been lost.
- Sharon Wisemyn, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

As the monks prayed, I prayed that this memorial would show so clearly that we can never gain peace if we try top solve problems through violent means.
- Parzival Wisemyn, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The severe elements that characterized our visit to the temporary memorial for Flight 93 made it clear to me that I am alive. My fingers were frozen, my body was soaking wet, and as the wind ripped through my sweater, I recognized that what we are doing on this Peace Ride will stand as an example to the world how change should be influenced.  I am from New York and have a long history of memories as a child, adolescent, and adult in the Twin Towers, but the emotions invoked at the crash site in Shanksville were just as powerful. I will never forget this day, or the people who served up their lives to protect so many others.
- Douglas F. Herman, New York, New York