Paul Murdoch Architects worked with graphic design consultants Impact Design Associates and ALT Design to conduct typographic studies to arrive at the approved visual representation of the 40 hero names . The objective for the representation of the names was to create a design that has the quality of being contemplative and inspirational , and would evoke a timeless tribute to the heroes of United Airlines Flight 93 . The font Whitney-Semibold Small Caps was chosen for its simplicity and the angular detail of selected letter forms . The angular detail relates to subtle architectural elements of the memorial design . Each name is cut into a 30 - x 96-inch white marble panel with a horizontal brushed black stainless steel inlay . According to the memorial 's architect , Paul Murdoch : The cost of the permanent memorial is estimated at $ 60 million . , $ 20 million in private donations had been raised , the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was providing $ 18.5 million , and Congress had appropriated $ 10 million . In March 2011 , the families of the victims of Flight 93 urged Congress to appropriate $ 3.7 million more in the fiscal year 2012 budget . The permanent memorial was originally planned for dedication on September 11 , 2011 ; however , the pace of construction has been delayed due to , among other factors , shortage of funding and the general economic downturn in America . Ground was broken on November 8 , 2009 but , completion was still some way into the future
United Airlines Flight 93
United Airlines Flight 93
Flight 93 National Memorial