Rep. Connolly Submits 9/11 Nat'l Memorial Trail Legislation

The Sept. 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance recently announced that the 9/11 National Memorial designation is now in the legislative process, introduced by U.S. Reps. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Don Beyer (D-VA). The legislation process will lead the way for the Secretary of Interior to be able to authorize the designation as a national tour route that links the three 9/11 national memorials in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, New York City and in Arlington, Virginia. The 9/11 National Memorial Trail, is a 1,300-mile biking, hiking and motor-friendly trail that connects the three 9/11 memorial sites via six states and the District of Columbia — Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C. For more information or to donate, go to www.911trail.org.

“We’re very grateful for the immense support and bipartisan leadership from Congressmen Connolly, Fitzpatrick and Beyer,” said David G. Brickley, founder of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. “20 years ago, I had envisioned a federally designated 9/11 Trail that would commemorate that tragic day for future generations; now that opportunity is here and we are truly appreciative and excited to see this legislative process unfold within the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in hopes for President Biden to have it signed into law by Sept. 11, 2021.”

The September 11th National Memorial Trail is a 1,300-mile system of trails and roadways that are a symbol of resiliency and character that connects the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C and the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It serves as a tribute to the fallen men and women who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. The Trail is the result of a partnership between the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, National Park Service, state and local governments, and other nonprofit organizations.

“The designation will allow the 9/11 National Memorial Trail to always be a place of connection and history,” said Thomas Baxter, IV, president of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.

“As part of the designation, the Sept. 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance is poised for a successful partnership with the Flight 93 National Memorial—truly an honor and privilege to be involved with such an important commemoration,” said Andy Hamilton, board chair of the Sept. 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance.

The 9/11 Trail’s design constitutes a triangular route that will pass through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of the United States. Starting at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, the Trail will extend northwest to the Flight 93 National Memorial. It will then continue east to New York City’s National September 11th Memorial and Museum. The Trail then heads south following the East Coast Greenway connecting to the 9/11 Memorial Garden of Reflection. It then connects to the National Mall in Washington D.C. and ultimately returns to the Pentagon Memorial.

“As our nation prepares for the 20th Anniversary of September 11th, we have a tremendous opportunity to create a lasting legacy that connects all three sites attacked that horrific day,” said Rep. Connolly (D-VA). “The September 11th National Memorial Trail will serve a particularly significant role – honoring the families and loved ones who were victims of the attack, and the heroes who saved countless lives on such a tragic day. I thank my colleagues Representatives Fitzpatrick and Beyer for their leadership, and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, especially my friend David Brickley, for their steadfast and unrelenting support of this project.”

“Less than six months from now, our nation will collectively pause to remember the 20th anniversary of September 11th, 2001—the day we watched unspeakable acts of evil unfold and incredible acts of sacrifice and heroism by the brave people of our great nation. Our bipartisan legislation designates a trail that connects each of the different sites attacked, providing us an ongoing opportunity to come together and reflect on that tragic day,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA). “I am proud to join Congressmen Connolly and Beyer in introducing this legislation that will help ensure we never forget the resilience of America and that we will always honor the many heroes and innocent lives our nation lost that day."

“This year we will mark 20 years since the attacks on September 11, 2001, which claimed the lives of so many, including members of our Northern Virginia community,” said Rep. Beyer (D-VA). “Our legislation will provide a new way to help honor and remember all we lost that day, and connect the different sites where that day’s tragedy unfolded. I appreciate and thank all who have worked to make this excellent idea a reality.”

Although the 9/11 National Memorial Trail hiking portion of the route is not fully completed, the 1,300-mile, 9/11 National Memorial Trail is currently connected by off-road and multi-use trails. The not-for-profit 9/11 National Memorial Trail Alliance relies on financial support from donors and grants to further develop and maintain the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.

ABOUT September 11th (9/11) National Memorial Trail Alliance:

The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is a not-for-profit organization leading the development of a 1,300-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail connecting the three 9/11 memorial sites with communities in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.; established in 2002 by its founder and President Emeritus, David Brickley. More than 50 percent of the 9/11 Trail is off-road, and the Alliance has been partnering with federal, state, county and municipal officials on 14 projects to connect more than 30 trails. The route includes New York City’s National September 11th Memorial and Museum, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance is based in New Eagle, Pennsylvania. To learn more, go to