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Pennsylvania’s 9/11 Trail Signage Project Is Complete Following Final Sign Unveiling
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Pennsylvania’s 9/11 Trail Signage Project Is Complete Following Final Sign Unveiling

General

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance joined Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, and community partners in Somerset County to unveil the final sign marking the 9/11 National Memorial Trail across Pennsylvania.

The unveiling completed a historic statewide signage initiative that now guides visitors along all 920 miles of the Trail in Pennsylvania. More than 2,200 signs have been installed on state and local roads, creating a clearly marked route through 23 counties and more than 100 municipalities.

The final sign was unveiled near the entrance to Flight 93 National Memorial following the afternoon 25th anniversary observance ceremony. Crafted from Pennsylvania red oak by staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry, the ceremonial sign represents the culmination of an extraordinary statewide effort to preserve the history of September 11, 2001, and carry its lessons forward for generations.

“This is an extraordinary milestone for the September 11th National Memorial Trail and for every person who has worked to make this vision a reality,” said Alliance President Jeff McCauley. “The completion of Pennsylvania’s signage brings greater visibility and accessibility to the Trail while ensuring that the lives lost and the heroes who responded on September 11, 2001, will continue to be remembered for generations to come.”

Governor Shapiro announced the initiative in 2025, directing the PennDOT and DCNR to work alongside the Alliance and local governments to designate and sign the Trail’s on-road and off-road segments before the 25th anniversary. Approximately 1,000 signs were installed along state roads, with another 1,200 placed along locally owned roads.

Alliance Board Member Debby Borza, whose daughter Deora Bodley was the youngest passenger aboard Flight 93, joined the commemoration. Borza has been a steadfast advocate for the 9/11 Trail and for educating future generations about September 11, 2001.

As more Americans grow up without personal memories of that day, the completed route provides an enduring way to experience this history. Each sign does more than offer direction. Together, they guide people through a living tribute where they can walk, bike, reflect and learn about the 2,977 lives lost, the heroes who responded and the spirit of unity that followed.

The Pennsylvania section is a central part of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, which connects the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

The Alliance extends its tremendous gratitude to Governor Josh Shapiro, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, the Governor’s staff, state and local officials, and the many partners and communities whose extraordinary leadership made the completion of this project possible.

Twenty-five years after September 11, Pennsylvania’s 920-mile route now stands fully marked as a permanent pathway of remembrance, reflection and education.

Honoring heroes with every mile.