Published: August 02, 2008 11:09 pm      

Flight 93 fathers speak from opposite sides of controversy at memorial meeting

SOMERSET — When passengers rushed the cockpit of hijacked Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, Todd Beamer and Tom Burnett were united in purpose.

Now, their fathers are divided over what has become a controversial design for the memorial where the jet crashed near Shanksville.

The two were among more than a dozen speakers at an emotional Flight 93 Advisory Commission and Task Force meeting Saturday at the Somerset County Courthouse.

“Once upon a time, our sons were in the back, united,” David Beamer said, looking at Tom Burnett Sr. “It does sadden me hearing that Beamer and Burnett are not united in our views about this project.”

Burnett is among critics of the design who maintain that its broken circle of trees signifies an Islamic crescent that pays tribute to the four terrorists who were on board.

“It’s a cataclysmic mistake that’s being made,” Burnett said. “I’m speaking to every American that we must stop this terror. We must stop it. It’s mind-boggling.”

Burnett, a member of the second jury that chose the design from among five finalists, is calling for an independent investigation.

“I think it’s a travesty that it’s moving along so fast,” he said. “We need an investigation. I’ve done my best.”

Park service officials and advisory commission members maintain the design was selected fairly from among more than 1,100 entries.

National Park Service Flight 93 Superintendent Joanne Hanley defended her motives, saying she is holding true to her values, country and God.

“It stands on the truth,” Hanley said.

“Truth does not change. It is not based on changing facts to support a theory.”

Hanley said the two breaks in the circle of trees represent the plane’s flight path and final resting place.

“It marks exactly where the first battle (against terrorism) was won by the passengers and crew,” she said.

Alec Rawls, a California author who has spearheaded criticism of the design, said officials are ignoring the obvious.

“You can’t come up with a clearer description of al-Quaida victory,” Rawls said. “You are choosing not to see this. But it’s there. This is the world’s largest mosque by a factor of 100.”

Advisory Commission member Calvin Wilson said the controversy is like a cancer.

“We understand our cancer,” he said.

“We’ll deal with our cancer. But this memorial will get built.”

Wilson said he is outraged by threats Hanley said she has received from people warning they’ll try to ruin her career.

“The fact that we have Americans acting like terrorists is most disturbing,” he said.

The initial phase of the memorial is expected to be completed by the 10th anniversary of the crash. The visitors center and other aspects are projected to be done later, as funding allows.

Officials said they have raised nearly $13 million toward the $30 million goal in private donations.

“You can’t build a memorial that’s more compelling, more respectful and more dignified,” Hanley said.

Patrick White, co-chairman of the task force, said the concerns have been addressed repeatedly.

“What we’ve heard today are opinions looking to be grounded in fact,” White said.

“I believe in what we do. I believe in who we are.”