Montoursville in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
TWA Flight 800 Memorial
Jessica L. Aikey Daniel E. Baszczewski Michelle E. Bohlin
Jordan M. Bower Monica E. Cox Deborah Lorson Dickey
Douglas C. Dickey Carol A. Fry Claire A. Gallagher
Julia D. Grimm Rance M. Hettler Amanda M. Karschner
Jody L. Loudenslager Cheryl L. Nibert Kimberly M. Rogers
Judith K. Rupert Larissa M. Uzupis Jacquelin A. Watson
Monica M. Weaver Eleanor M. Wolfson Wendy Y. Wolfson
On the evening of July 17, 1996, two hundred and thirty passengers and crew boarded TWA Flight 800 at Kennedy International Airport, New York. Their destination was Paris, France. Among the passengers were sixteen students of the Montoursville Area High School French Club and their five adult chaperones.
Shortly after takeoff, Flight 800 exploded off the coast of Long Island and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. All on board perished.
In an instant life changed forever.
The world responded to this small town that had lost so much so quickly with concern, sympathy and compassion. Flowers, posters, cards and numerous other forms of support were offered for the friends and families. Blue and gold ribbons were placed throughout the community and worn by many as a sign of remembrance that friends are friends forever.
Through the generosity of people from here and around the world, we dedicate this memorial in loving memory to our children, family members and neighbors who lost their lives in this tragedy.
They are forever in our hearts.
On Sunday evening, July 21, 1996, a cloud in the form of an angel appeared above the Montoursville High School. At the angel's feet were twenty-one smaller white clouds, at first in a circle, then appearing in two straight rows.
Two small rainbows appeared and arched over the Montoursville community. The sky was unusually calm that evening and was a beautiful shade of blue. A smaller, dove-shaped cloud formed and the sky became a magnificent color of pink and blue, clearing as sunset arrived.
Many who witnessed these formations felt a calm inner peace. As word spread throughout the community of these events, an overwhelming sense of spiritual support developed. The angel became a symbol that linked the community to those aboard Flight 800.
This image, captured on film by a local resident, is believed by many to have been a sign that communicated the well-being of our loved ones.
"...they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
"...ils prennent le vol comme les aigles;
ils courent, et ne se lassent point,
ils marchent, et ne se fatiguent point."
Ιsaοe 40:31
Erected 1999 by Concerned Citizens, Organizations, and Friends.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Disasters • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is July 17, 1996.
Location. 41° 14.935′ N, 76° 55.115′ W. Marker is in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, in Lycoming County. Marker is on Broad Street east of Arch Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Montoursville PA 17754, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Montoursville Memorial Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); This Old Millstone (within shouting distance of this marker); Montoursville (approx. half a mile away); Lions Field (approx. one mile away); Williamsport (approx. 3.3 miles away); The Legacy of Little League (approx. 3.6 miles away); a different marker also named Williamsport (approx. 3.7 miles away); Susquehanna Log Boom (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montoursville.
Also see . . .
1. 25-year anniversary of TWA Flight 800 explosion marks new chapter in disaster's history (2021). (Submitted on August 24, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. NTSB TWA Flight 800 Aircraft Accident Report (2000). (Submitted on August 24, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Emotions fresh 25 years after Flight 800 tragedy (The Daily Item, 2021). (Submitted on August 24, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 24, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.