Wash Heights Politicians Remember The Lives Lost On Flight 587

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — On the 19th anniversary of the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 587 in the Rockaways on Nov. 12, 2001, politicians from Washington Heights joined families left behind to mourn the 265 lives lost on the flight headed to the Dominican Republic.

A ceremony took place in Rockaway, Queens, on Thursday that included a speech from Mayor Bill de Blasio.

In attendance were Upper Manhattan elected officials, Congress Member Adriano Espaillat, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, and Assembly Member Carmen De La Rosa. All three of the politicians were born in the Dominican Republic.

Many of those on the flight that fateful morning were residents of the Bronx, Inwood and Washington Heights.

"The crash of Flight 587 claimed the lives of all 265 victims, most of whom were Dominican or Dominican-American," Espaillat tweeted on Thursday. "The passing of time has not erased the pain that remains in their family, friends, and loved ones' lives. We'll always remember the lives we lost that day."

The crash of #Flight587 claimed the lives of all 265 victims, most of whom were Dominican or Dominican-American.

The passing of time has not erased the pain that remains in their family, friends, and loved ones’ lives.

We’ll always remember the lives we lost that day. pic.twitter.com/m3eSWKIqTW
— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) November 12, 2020

Rodriguez also took to Twitter to share his condolences for the victims of the crash.

"Today, we remember the lives of all those we lost on Flight 587. My sincere condolences go out to all the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives on that tragic day," Rodriguez tweeted.

De La Rosa wrote on Twitter, "Today we remember those we lost on Flight 587. May their souls Rest in Peace."

De Blasio made a rare attempt at speaking Spanish on Thursday as he ended his remarks by saying, "Just a few words I'd like to offer in Spanish," which he finished with "Muchismas gracias."