DES PLAINES, IL – Friends, family, and those impacted by the tragic American Airlines Flight 191 disaster will come together on May 25 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the event. The memorial ceremony will be held at the Memorial Wall and Garden in Lake Park, a somber occasion to remember the 273 crew, passengers, and individuals on the ground who lost their lives in the aviation disaster.

The event is significant for many, including Kim Jockl, who lost her parents in the crash. Each year, individuals affected by the tragedy reach out on social media platforms like the American Airlines Flight 191 friends and family Facebook group to share their experiences and memories. For some, this annual gathering serves as an opportunity to openly discuss the impact of that fateful day on their lives.

The day’s events are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. with a presentation of colors by VFW Post 2992, followed by speeches from family members of the passengers. At 3:04 p.m., a moment of silence lasting 31 seconds will be observed, symbolizing the duration of the ill-fated flight. The names of those lost in the crash will be read aloud, honoring their memory.

Retired Chicago firefighters will ring the Bell of Remembrance 31 times, concluding the program with a prayer and blessing by the Rev. Michael G. Zaniolo, who will scatter soil from the crash site in the memorial garden. The ceremony aims to provide a place for reflection and remembrance for all those affected, including first responders, flight attendants, pilots, and future generations.

The memorial wall, adorned with 273 bricks inscribed with the names of the victims, stands as a solemn reminder of the tragedy that occurred on May 25, 1979. A plaque at the site serves as a poignant inscription, urging visitors never to forget the lives lost in the crash and the subsequent safety improvements in the aviation industry.

American Airlines Flight 191, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 headed to Los Angeles, met its tragic fate shortly after takeoff from O’Hare International Airport. The subsequent investigation revealed that maintenance failures within the airline led to the engine separation that caused the crash. This disaster prompted critical changes in maintenance protocols and aircraft engineering to enhance passenger safety.