Fort Drum, N.Y. ? Eleven soldiers killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash were honored as heroes Friday at a memorial service attended by more than 2,500 troops, dignitaries and relatives of the men.

“It’s impossible to make sense of any tragic loss. Today is no exception,” said Col. Kevin Wilkerson, commander of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade.

Fort Drum, N.Y., soldiers pay their respects to the 11 soldiers who died in a Black Hawk helicopter crash. The 11 were honored at a memorial service Friday at Fort Drum. The cause of Tuesday's crash is under investigation.

“This is as big a loss as anyone who died in combat,” he said. “Please have no doubt about it.”

The soldiers’ remains have been flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to be identified and will be released to their families for burial. Each was honored posthumously with the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal.

The 11 died Tuesday when a Black Hawk helicopter with 13 soldiers aboard crashed on the sprawling Fort Drum Army post in northern New York. The only two survivors remained hospitalized Friday: Spec. Dmitri Petrov was in critical condition and Spec. Edwin A. Mejia was in serious condition.