Michael F. Connolly, Woodside, NY, wrote this poem on the night of July 17, 1996
“My heart it aches, my prayers are many for 230 families tonight. Because their friends and loved ones were tragically lost in flight; They represent many countries nationalities and races. Most were seeking fun and joy in many beautiful places…”
Joan lost her brother, his wife, and their three children on Northwest 255
“Our logo is the dove, “THEIR SPIRIT LIVES ON” and a rainbow as many families had rainbows around their homes the next night after the crash. On our first anniversary something happened that was so beautiful, as we started to read our loved ones names…”
Pam lost her son aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 261
As the sun sets so early
On a life that was so grand
Our hearts are filled with sorrow
As we try to understand…
Kim lost her sister Sandi, 27, aboard American Eagle 4184
My sister, my best friend that's what she was
I think of her so much
Because she was my special friend
Her loss so great right at the end…
In Loving Memory For the families of Swissair Flight #111
We all have different losses but the pain is the same. I am so very, very sorry for all the families. I hope my prayer will help in some small way. God Bless!
Sanya lost her fiancé on Pan Am Flight 103
“I recall how excruciatingly painful the first spring was after the bombing — and indeed so many springs thereafter. How possibly could life be springing anew everywhere, when the man I loved was dead, and it seemed as though my soul, too, was dying within.”
Submitted by Leann Sorenson
“I am sending this letter to all the families that lost loved ones on Flight 261, especially to Sparky's (Ryan Sparks') mom, I know you already know that your son was a very special person, but I want you to know Sparky was a very special person in my familys eyes too, he was like one of the kids, like he had always been around our family forever…”
The impact on calm water displaces circular ripples that touch so many, such as the far-reaching effect of an aviation disaster. The fatal accident of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 affected many communities up and down the west coast.
“None of us wish for another family to go through the pain and suffering we have been through and we are doing everything in our power to promote positive change in the aviation industry.”– the Families of Continental Flight 3407 Click here to visit the Continental Flight 3407 website
Eric V. Siu lost his father, his mother, and three young cousins on Pan Am 816
“Fresh reminders come as suddenly as the original disaster, ringing in the middle of the night, or wafting though the air from a neighbor's kitchen at dinnertime. We can almost sense one another bracing in unison against the announcement, 'We interrupt this program . . .' At those times, no explanation is needed. At other times, no explanation seems possible…”
