New Potomac River Memorial Honours 67 Lives Lost in Tragic Midair Collision
A new memorial will honour the 67 lives lost in last year's midair collision over the Potomac River. Mayor Alyia Gaskins announced the plans during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., paying tribute to victims, their families, and first responders. The memorial is set to open in Alexandria this Memorial Day.
The tragedy struck deeply in Alexandria, where many of the victims were teammates, classmates, friends, and neighbours. Their loss left a lasting impact on the community.
On Tuesday, family members attended an NTSB hearing where investigators revealed years of ignored warnings and traffic risks linked to the collision. The findings added weight to calls for stricter air safety measures.
The memorial itself will be located in the northeastern section of Rivergate Park. It will feature a bench, newly planted trees, and a plaque engraved with the victims' names. Designed as a quiet space for reflection, it aims to provide solace for grieving families.
Mayor Gaskins unveiled the project at the 'Honoring the 67 and Unsung Heroes' ceremony. The event recognised Alexandria's police and fire departments, along with dozens of regional first responder teams.
Meanwhile, Congressman Don Beyer is pushing for the ROTOR Act, a bill requiring aircraft to use Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast. The legislation seeks to prevent future disasters by improving real-time tracking. The city has also urged residents to share their views on air safety reforms.
Further details about the memorial, including its exact opening date, will be posted on Alexandria's official website in the coming weeks.
The memorial will stand as a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the collision. With its spring installation, the city hopes to offer families and the wider community a space for healing. Officials continue to stress the importance of safety reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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