Members of the family of the handfuls of individuals killed within the American Airways Flight 587 tragedy gathered on the crash website in Queens on Tuesday to mark the twenty third anniversary of the catastrophe.
Belkis Lora, whose brother, Jose Lora, was among the many 265 individuals who perished within the 2001 tragedy, stated throughout an anniversary ceremony close to the crash website in Belle Harbor that “many aspects of our life have changed” because the accident.
“The children who lost their parents on the flight have since become adults. Sadly, we have also lost a loved one who has stood by us for many years,” stated Lora, who’s the president of the Committee in Reminiscence of Flight 587. “Yet, one thing remains constant: Our commitment to remembering this day and honoring the memories. Even in our sadness and pain … we take this time to honor the memory of our loved ones on this day.”
Mayor Adams delivers remarks at a Nov. 12, 2024 commemoration of the tragedy of American Airways Flight 587, which crashed in Queens on Nov. 12, 2001. (Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Images Workplace)
American Airways Flight 587 was certain for the Dominican Republic on Nov. 12, 2001 from Kennedy Airport. However shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed into Belle Harbor, killing all 260 individuals onboard and 5 individuals on the bottom.
The incident set off panic in an already anxious metropolis, reeling on the time from the Sept. 11, 2001 terror assault.
Flowers on the commemoration of American Airways Flight 587, which crashed in Queens on Nov. 12, 2001. (Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Images Workplace)
Mayor Adams, who joined relations of the victims for Tuesday’s ceremony, referenced the traumatic timing of the crash in remarks.
“Weeks after [the] Sept. 11th attack, we were still mourning the death and loss of so many people, and to find out right here in this community of Belle Harbor, a simple trip en route to the Dominican Republic, had to experience such a devastating loss to the Dominican community here in the city, but also to every New Yorker,” he stated.
