Somerset-area leaders prepare for 9/11 anniversary visitors

Associated Press

SOMERSET, Pa.

Although the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America is still months away, local leaders are urging Somerset County residents to keep it in mind.

“There are a lot of indicators that the anniversary will be attracting many more visitors than in prior years,” said G. Henry Cook, CEO of Somerset Trust Co.

Cook is a member of the Flight 93 Federal Advisory Commission. The advisory commission is responsible for providing recommendations to the Interior Department and the National Park Service on the planning, construction and long-term management of the Flight 93 National Memorial.

“Somerset County should try to shine, polish up,” Cook said. “I suggested that 93 days before the weekend of Sept. 10-11 that the county commissioners pass a proclamation asking people to fly their flags. It’s close to Flag Day so that would be a perfect launch point.”

Commissioner John Vatavuk agrees.

“Flags are a given,” he said. “Especially those people who are along the routes people will be taking to the memorial — large flags and those small flags along major routes, driveways and yards.”

In addition to flying the American flag, Cook would like people to plant red, white and blue flowers.

“We could have a couple hundred thousand visitors — people from all around the world — here in the months leading up to the anniversary,” he said. “If people could think patriotic themes — and not just houses on the route to the memorial. Somerset County should stand up and be counted. We didn’t ask for Flight 93 to crash here, but we are the caretakers of the site. Show your pride and unity in being American.”

Those groups that make trips to the site each year are notifying local people that they will be bringing even more visitors with them this year.