This memorial literally maps the flight's path, and shows how the courageous revolt indelibly connected New York and Washington to this sacred field in Shanksville. Landscape and architectural elements, including the entrance and exit, are set in true geographical aligment with those cities.

The actual route of the 81 minute flight is scaled down - including its fateful U-turn - into an 810 foot ribbon wall with visitor concourse. Every ten feet represents a minute of the flight. The wall concludes at the crash site, which is safeguarded and consecrated by a contemplative reflecting pool.