Seven years ago, 40 ordinary citizens gave their lives to save uncounted others. When the passengers of United Flight 93 learned of the attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon from cell phone calls to family members, they decided to take action, effectively preventing more deaths.

Would any of us have done the same?

The plane, after departing from Newark, N.J., was headed to San Francisco, but 45 minutes into the flight, it turned around over Cleveland, and headed for Washington.

It probably passed over Kent State.

Just after 10 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, the plane crashed at the edge of a wooded area in Somerset County, Pa.

All week, the university has been commemorating the passengers’ sacrifice with events, displays and speeches. We’re glad that the focus of the events do not glorify war, but rather focus on raising awareness and money for the memorial in Somerset County.

The passengers had a choice. They could have done nothing. They would have died anyway, but they chose to become heroes. Would you do the same?

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board, whose members are listed to the left.