Powell Praises 'Gallant Heroes' of United Flight 93

Colin Powell today honored the "gallant heroes" of United Flight 93 who fought back against their hijackers 8 years ago today. At a ceremony in Shanksville, Pa., where the plane went down, he likened them to the "citizen soldiers" who have fought for the US since its inception. "They refused to let it just happen," he said. Bells tolled for the 40 passengers and crew who were killed, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"As much as we may try, we can never truly grasp the emotions that must have gone through the hearts of the passengers and crew members," said Powell. "It was up to them, alone and unarmed. They seized the moment, and they lost their lives in so doing, but not before forcing the monsters to abort the mission and crash in this field, saving so many of their fellow citizens." (More United Flight 93 stories.)