[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22113]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 REMEMBERING THE TRAGEDY OF FLIGHT 587 ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                              FATAL CRASH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of the 265 
people who lost their lives on November 12, 2001, when American 
Airlines Flight 587 crashed into Belle Harbor in Queens, NY.
  November 12 will always be a solemn day in hearts of many, including 
my own. On that fateful day, when the American Airlines Flight 587 
crashed into Belle Harbor Queens and killed 260 passengers and 5 
residents, it changed the lives of not just their families, but also 
multiple communities here and in the Dominican Republic.
  There is no rhyme or reason to such events. No amount of time or 
information will ever answer why it happened. Just two months after the 
tragedy of Sept. 11, the crash reminded us all of how fragile our lives 
are and how precious are the moments we share daily with our loved 
ones.
  Leaders and government officials on every level of government have 
tried to do their best to ease the grief of the families and bring some 
sense of closure to this tragedy. We have organized economic and social 
resources for relatives, pressed the NTSB to conduct a thorough 
investigation, and urged American Airlines to do what is right when 
settling with families.
  There are, of course, still some outstanding issues. Yet today, after 
a lot of hard work, we will see the unveiling of a memorial that is 
more than a reminder of an unexplained tragedy, but a beautiful 
testament to how they lived.
  They were like millions of dreamers who come to this land, strapped 
with hopes for a better life for themselves and their children. These 
immigrants bring a dynamic energy to this land, achievements that can 
be seen in every part of society. Yet no matter how successful they are 
here, no matter how grateful they are to their American opportunities, 
part of their soul still remain in their homelands.
  For thousands of Dominicans, that first flight of the morning--or any 
flight back to the Dominican--is what they dream about when they are 
pulling the long hours, working multiple jobs and stretching their 
paychecks to survive in this city. It is more than their reward for a 
job well done. It is their chance to enjoy a home cooked meal by midday 
with those they hadn't seen for months or years. It is their chance to 
feel complete again--if only for just a couple of days.
  It is not easy, but it is a sacrifice that many do daily.
  And so, while there is much to be sad about today, we can all take 
comfort that this memorial will always serve as a reminder of the 
beauty and strength of the Dominican people. A reminder that the 
families of Flight 587 have not been crushed by the weight of this 
devastating tragedy or the adversity that has followed.
  A reminder that the spirit of a community did not die that day, but 
instead, continues to grow and inspire others.

                          ____________________