Sep 12, 2003 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – With American and armed services flags flying in the early morning skies, government representatives and first responders gathered Thursday with veterans and residents to pay tribute to the 3,028 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. They also honored those who continue defend the nation in the war on terrorism.

“Sept. 11, 2001, brought us together. It made us stronger; it unified us,” said state Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar) in addressing the nearly 200 who attended the ceremony to mark second the anniversary of the attacks. “The heroic acts of that day will inspire us for years to come.”

Kasunic and Fayette County Commissioner Vincent Vicites served as keynote speakers for the service, organized by the Connellsville Veterans Commission.

Kasunic recalled being on an Alaskan hunting trip when he learned of the terrorist attacks that killed thousands in New York, Washington, D.C., and Somerset.

“I can remember standing there with tears streaming down from my eyes, wondering why did it happen,” he said. “Who could do such a dastardly deed? Who would take out their wrath on such innocent people?”

But before the nation sent its first soldier into battle, Kasunic said, the war on terrorism began in the skies over Somerset County, when passengers attempted to take control from those who had taken them and their aircraft, Flight 93, hostage. “They made a decision at that time that there would be no more havoc,” he said. “They are truly American heroes. We must never forget what they did that day.

“Around the world, there was a sense that America was lazy, that America no longer had the grit to fight back. Imagine their shock when they found out that it wasn’t true and (the passengers of Flight 93) showed they had the grit and heart, that Americans would fight for what is right and what is just.”

Connellsville Mayor Judy Reed paid tribute to Dunbar residents U.S. Army Sgt. David Calhoun, and U.S. Army Pfc. Salvatore “Sam” Ross, noting their sacrifice in the fight on terrorism.

Ross, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division/307th Engineering Battalion, was severely injured May 18 outside of Baghdad when a pit filled with ordnance exploded as he stood nearby.

Calhoun, a member of the 37th Infantry Division, is recovering from injuries he received when his Humvee was bombed as he traveled through Fellujah, a town outside Baghdad, on July 1.

“They say I am a hero, but it was the people on (Flight 93), the policemen and the firemen (who responded on Sept. 11) that are the heroes,” Calhoun said in accepting a plaque from Reed.

Vicites said the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, were meant to “frighten our nation and retreat us into chaos.”

“But, the terrorists failed,” he said. “Our country is stronger than it has ever been because of our servicemen: (U.S. Army Reservist) Eric Hull, Sgt. Calhoun and Sam Ross.”

Hull, of New Salem, died Aug. 18 of injuries he received when his truck hit a land mine while he was serving in Iraq with the 307th Military Police Company.

The Connellsville Area High School band and the New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. bagpipers provided musical selections for the ceremony, while the Rev. John Butler and the Rev. Nate Milton delivered the invocation and benediction during the service.

Also taking part were members of the Connellsville Fire Department, Connellsville Police Department, Fayette EMS, Fayette County Veterans Affairs Director Robert Hixson and state Rep. James Shaner (D-Dunbar).