Tri-State Monument Port Jervis, New York

Hidden away in the humble town of Port Jervis, New York is a rare place most just pass right over. Tucked away in the rear of the Laurel Grove cemetery, lies the Tri-State monument. A place where you can literally be in 3 states at once. The monument sits under Interstate 84 and is a converging point for the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The area once served as battle grounds between the states of New Jersey and New York. The two states once battled for the sought after land, where the Delaware river and Neversink river merge together. Maybe they both knew the small borough would someday be named one of the 10 coolest small towns in America.

The current monument that stands is a replacement for an original which decorated the spot as early as 1774. Also nearby is a monument for the merging of Pennsylvania and New York, which technically occurs in the center of the Delaware river. But if you don't wish to slip into your waders and would rather stand in 3 states at once, I'd opt for the photo opportunity on land.

Flight 93 Memorial

September 11, 2001 is a day that will live in the hearts and minds of Americans forever. Anyone who experienced that tragic day can quickly attest to exactly what they were doing, or where they were, when they discovered the devastating news. But as the years slowly slip past we quietly remember the heroes and victims of that horrific day less and less.

Slowly memorials have been sprouting up throughout the country to forever memorialize the victims. One of the first makeshift memorials appeared near the small rural town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Since the attack visitors have been placing mementos and memorabilia to honor those who bravely gave their lives to protect others. Over a remote field, in the middle of farmland, the actions of a few helped to save the lives of thousands.

The brave members of that fateful flight are now forever commemorated in a flight 93 memorial. After years of designing, controversy, and building, the commemorative memorial was opened on the eve of the 10 year anniversary. The monument pays tribute to the 40 individuals who fought back when their freedoms were restricted, forever commemorating their heroic actions and allowing us to never forget!

Pennsylvania's 9/11 Memorial

September 11, 2001 is a day that will surely not be forgotten by anyone. The events of that day helped unite a country that was tearing itself apart. All communities gathered together and vowed to "Never Forget."

The good folks of Yardley, Pennsylvania had a memorial built so we would all remember. The Garden of Reflection Memorial bears the names of all 2,973 killed on that horrific early autumn day. The memorial incorporates pieces of steel from the twin towers in New York City. It takes you on a journey of tragedy and grief to feelings of hope and peace. The flag that is displayed at the memorial has flown over all three crash sites.

The more interesting fact about this memorial is it's location. It was decided upon after finding a tattered American flag in the brush of an undeveloped park. This worn flag must have been a reminder to the folks of Yardley who vowed to "Never Forget."