Families gathered for several days on Long Island to commemorate the 3rd Anniversary of the crash into the Atlantic on July 17, 1996. Many family members came from all over the U.S., as well as families from Australia, France, Israel and Italy. A reception was held on Friday evening, where acquaintances were renewed and news shared. On Saturday morning a land dedication ceremony was held at the Smith Point Beach to formally dedicate and bless the beachfront land which has been donated as the site for the international memorial. It was well attended by over 100 families and friends.
Later that afternoon an interdenominational memorial service was held, at the site of the Memorial. Later that evening there was a Mass held in Moriches, with a private reception afterwards. On Sunday, the TWA 800 Family Association met. NTSB representatives Chairman Jim Hall and Director Peter Goelz gave us a briefing. In addition, there were family discussions about plans for the international memorial, personal effects, organization & finances and next year’s anniversary. Some families left afterwards while others pursued individual visits to the Coast Guard Station, the Children’s Memorial Playground and the Cemetery. It was a healthy and helpful anniversary remembrance.
John Seaman, Director of the TWA 800 Family Association, Inc., lost his niece Michele on TWA Flight 800
