Events 2009
Remarks of Michael Gallagher, American Chargé,
at Schiphol Airport, In Honor of the Victims of TK 1951,
March 7, 2009
It is a great honor accompanied by much sadness that I have been asked to make a few short remarks to you today on behalf of the United States of America.
On Wednesday, February 25th, in the morning hours, Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 crashed at Schiphol Airport. Within minutes Dutch First Responders arrived at the scene to rescue the living and to remove those who had died. They performed brilliantly and we thank you for your service. Among the nine passengers who perished were four American citizens: Fred Cognale, Ronald Richey, John Salman and Ricky Wilson. There are no words that can adequately express our sorrow at their passing. Their families now must shoulder a terrible burden. They were men returning from Turkey to their homes in Seattle and Houston. Their families were waiting for them to return, only to learn the devastating news that they had already bid them their last farewell.
Those of us who have lost loved ones are probably remembering now all those emotions that came over us when we learned about the sudden passing of a close relative or friend. I know I am experiencing that right now. Having experienced this, then we realize there are no words or actions that can bring these four men back. Yet we can take comfort in the knowledge that we had the good fortune to know them, to have them in our lives, and to carry the memory of them in our hearts.
So let me conclude by thanking all of you who are here to honor the victims of this terrible tragedy, and for coming together in tribute to those Turks and Americans who lost their lives.
Thank you.