18 years later: Honoring Flight 93 victims on anniversary of 9/11

Dignitaries and families of those aboard United Airlines Flight 93 are gathering in Somerset County this morning for the 18th annual remembrance of the 40 people who died fighting back against terrorists.

Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt were keynote speakers for the observance at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stonycreek Township. The memorial honors the 40 passengers and crew members who were aboard the plane on Sept. 11, 2001.

Pence received a standing ovation as he walked to the podium.

People in the crowd used their cellphones to take pictures of him. The men and women of Flight 93 who sprang into action and began calling family members “met unspeakable evil with selfless heroism and American strength,” he said.

He recounted the group’s actions formulating a plan and charging the cockpit.

“They were ordinary Americans but their heroism would inspire the nation.”

The plane was believed to be destined for Washington, D.C., a short 18 minutes by air from the site of the crash.

There are several hundred people here for the ceremony. Many are sitting in the grass and on benches outside of the chairs that were set up. It is hot with blue skies.

— Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) September 11, 2019

pic.twitter.com/NPbnl29qAI

— Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) September 11, 2019

Crowds, service members, and media begin to gather for the Flight 93 Memorial Observance near Shanksville @Flight93NPS @TribLIVE #September11 #Flight93 pic.twitter.com/JaTBUbOge8

— Shane Dunlap (@shanedunlap) September 11, 2019

Fog drifts across the fields as @NPS prepare for the September 11th memorial observance at Flight 93 National Memorial - @TribLIVE #Sept11 #Flight93 pic.twitter.com/Q4A2vYtlYt

— Shane Dunlap (@shanedunlap) September 11, 2019