Page One

Former Cal student eulogized as hero

By Olga R. Rodriguez The Associated Press
Monday September 24, 2001

BERKELEY — Sen. John McCain gave a tearful eulogy Saturday for one of the heroic victims of United Airlines Flight 93, calling passenger Mark Bingham’s political support “one of the greatest honors of his life.” 

McCain once met Bingham, a longtime admirer of the Republican from Arizona. The senator is one of 15 senators co-sponsoring a bill that would award the 44 passengers and crew members with the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest civilian honor. 

It would recognize Bingham and three other passengers who investigators believe helped thwart terrorist highjackers from crashing Flight 93 into its intended target, possibly a Washington landmark. 

“I very well may owe my life to Mark,” McCain told mourners. “He supported me, and his support now ranks among one of the greatest honors of my life.”