Beginning in November, the saga of Thunder Bell commences with an earnest plea to Harold Knupp, owner of the bell to sell it.  The Bell was donated March 11, 2002 By Mr. and Mrs. Harold Knupp in honor of Flight 93.  Named "Thunder Bell, the Voice of Flight 93", the bell was transported from storage to Somerset Foundry where it was cleaned and refurbished.

 The cast steel bell dated 1860 weighed in at 985 pounds.  Transferred to Weimer's Blacksmith Shop Thunder Bell was fitted with a hand wrought cradle of tubular and welded steel designed and manufactured by Weimer's craftsmen.  Total weight of Bell and hand wrought cradle:  1,150 pounds, over  half a ton!  Many became interested in arranging the transfer of Thunder Bell to the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel and wanted to assist, and all their efforts are appreciated.  On July tenth, one day in advance of the ceremony scheduled to dedicate the Bell as the Voice of Flight 93, Jim's Truck Stop, Somerset, provided two husky trucks: a tow truck equipped with a leverage crane and a flatbed to transport Thunder Bell.  In addition to the two hefty trucks, Jim's provided two hefty mechanics, Scott and Jim, who handled the bell as deftly as if they were handling fragile eggs.  They were handling precious cargo, and the care and dexterity with which they placed Thunder Bell in its temporary location in front of the Chapel Sanctuary was an amazing feat to witness.  Placing the mighty steel bell within one inch of its intended perch, the two men gave a mighty shove, and Thunder Bell was home.

 Thunder Bell, dedicated as the Voice of Flight 93 stands in noble tribute to the Heroes in whose honor it has been donated, the Heroes, whose name it bears, the Heroes who have inspired so many to participate in the eventual realization of of a new life of service in honor of the Heroes of Flight 93.  That so many have been so moved to be so generous is a noble tribute in itself to those we are proud to honor as Heroes of American Freedom.

Let Freedom Ring!