Crew of USS Somerset honors Flight 93 heroes ahead of 9/11

SOMERSET, Pa. (WTAJ) — Thousands of American flags have been placed off the Pennsylvania Turnpike exit in Somerset to honor the lives lost on 9/11 ahead of Wednesday’s remembrance ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial.

A total of 2,977 were placed on the embankment beneath the Comfort Inn, each one representing a life lost.

Volunteers from the crew of the USS Somerset added the last 40 flags to the hillside Monday in remembrance of the 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in nearby Shanksville.

Commander Aaron Gorum, Executive Officer on the USS Somerset said they participate in this ceremony every year to pay homage to the heroes aboard that flight.

“We have a very special bond with Somerset, Pennsylvania, specifically for the namesake of Somerset and the 40 heroes that were able to change history that day,” Gorum said. “And so they, they have a special with us on board.”

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Crew members of the USS Somerset will also take part in the remembrance ceremonies at Flight 93 National Memorial Wednesday.

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