The 9/11 memorial site, built in the field near rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the United Airlines plane crashed, has become what many describe as hallowed ground.
The thought that inspired the creation of the memorial is "a common field one day became a field of honor forever."
Among the tributes was artwork created by 20 artists, including Jesse Lubera, who worked with chalk to create portraits of the people aboard Flight 93.
"This just had a different level of meaning," Lubera said of the weight that came with creating the artistic tributes.
The memorial stands where Flight 93 went down after passengers and crew fought back against terrorists who had hijacked the plane on Sept. 11.
"The name Flight 93 has become synonymous with ideas of bravery and sacrifice," said retired Capt. Morrie Weiner.
Stephen M. Clark of the Flight 93 National Memorial reflected on the actions of those aboard the flight.
"Their selfless act prevented Flight 93 from reaching the Capitol, the center of our democracy," Clark said.
During the remembrance ceremony, family members, political leaders and members of the public gathered to honor those lost. A wreath was laid at the Wall of Names.
The names of the 40 passengers and crew members were read aloud.
Among those recognized was Flight 93 co-pilot First Officer Leroy Homer of Marlton, New Jersey.
"He was a hero and I love him, and I miss him, and I love everyone who was on that flight," said Michelle Hargus, his sister.
For some family members, the legacy of those aboard continues to inspire future generations.
"Leroy Homer is the reason I'm in flight school right now," said Jason Yorel Wilson, Homer's nephew.
The ceremony also included the reading of the name of Louis Nacke II of Marlton, New Jersey. His grandson, Louis Nacke, said the annual gathering provides an opportunity to see the support shared among victims' families.
"To see the love and support everybody gives to everyone in every family, not just ours. It's amazing," he said.
Also in attendance were flight attendants based in Newark, New Jersey, where Flight 93 originated.
"All of these crew who flew on this flight, we flew with them; they were our friends. So it's our way of honoring them," said retired flight attendant Sally Brosonski.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said the ceremonies help preserve the memory of those lost and pass their example on to future generations.
"To carry forth the memory of the 40 lives lost. To take the lesson of their bravery and share that with the next generation," Shapiro said.
Elsewhere on the memorial grounds, wreaths were laid at another section of the site that marks the path of the plane.
As bells sounded and names were read, attendees reflected on the moment when a common field became sacred ground and ordinary people became heroes.