Corrinne and Bill Borchers : “American Airlines Flight 191 45th Anniversary Memorial”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. American Airlines Flight 191 anniversary
2. First responders families memorial event

The 45th anniversary of the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 191 was commemorated in Des Plaines, bringing together families, first responders, and others affected by the disaster. The event, which marked the deadliest non-terrorist aviation disaster in American history, honored the 273 lives lost in the 1979 crash. Emotional stories were shared, including that of Kim Jockl, who lost her parents in the tragedy and later helped establish a memorial wall and garden in Lake Park. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence and a touching rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The community came together to remember and pay tribute to the victims.

On the 45th anniversary of the tragic American Airlines Flight 191 disaster, families, first responders, and other individuals with emotional ties to the event gathered in Des Plaines to honour the 273 lives lost in the deadliest non-terrorist aviation disaster in American history.

**Remembering the Victims**

Among those present were siblings Kim Jockl, Melody Smith, and Jim Borchers, who lost their parents in the crash. Corrinne and Bill Borchers were on their way to Hawaii when the tragedy occurred, leaving their children bereft of their presence. The grief shared by these siblings mirrored that of 271 other families who also lost loved ones in this devastating event.

**A Memorial Born Out of Tragedy**

It was Kim Jockl’s poignant retelling of her personal story to sixth-graders at Decatur Classical School that sparked the creation of a memorial at Lake Park. One of her former students, Ryan Wangman, now a budding journalist, spearheaded efforts to turn this vision into reality. Their determination and hard work culminated in the establishment of a Memorial Wall and Garden, serving as a lasting tribute to the victims of Flight 191.

**Paying Tribute to the Departed**

Amidst a somber atmosphere, the audience observed 31 seconds of silence at 3:04 p.m., marking the duration of the ill-fated flight. The names of the passengers, flight crew, and two ground victims were then solemnly recited by those connected to them or the emergency response efforts. The presence of individuals like William Meskan, a retired Red Cross member who responded to the crash scene, underscored the gravity of the disaster.

**A Community United in Grief**

Daniel McGinley attended the ceremony to honour his cousin, Eileen Plesa, who lost her life at the young age of 22. His memories of the day he learned of her tragic fate still evoke deep sorrow, highlighting the profound impact of the event on families and communities alike. The memorial wall, blessed by the Rev. Michael Zaniolo, symbolized a collective effort to find solace and support in the face of unimaginable loss.

**Hope Amidst Despair**

As the ceremony drew to a close, Kim Jockl expressed a sentiment shared by many bereaved families – the hope that those aboard Flight 191 have found peace in their final destination. The event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a poignant reminder of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.

**Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future**

The 45th anniversary of the American Airlines Flight 191 disaster served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the communities forever changed by this catastrophic event. Through shared remembrance and heartfelt tributes, those affected by the tragedy continue to find strength in unity and resilience in the face of adversity.