Memorial - Allegheny 853

Go to the main Allegheny 853 site

Concrete plaque at gravesite in Shelbyville, IN

Memorial

to the Passengers and Crew of

Allegheny Airlines Flight 853

and

N7374J

9 September 1969 - 1529EDT

When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel, and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world, and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime, when they're supposed to be sleeping. They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing wind-songs, they whisper to us, "Don't miss me too much. The view is nice, and I'm doing just fine."

Tent set up for the memorial service

I didn't write these, but they seem a fitting tribute to those whose lives are taken suddenly, tragically, without warning.

Death brings pain no one can heal.
Love brings warmth no one can steal.

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,
or gazed at the sun into the fading light?

You'd better slow down, don't dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly,
when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed?
with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You'd better slow down, don't dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won't last.

Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow,
and in your haste, not see their sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die,
'cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down, don't dance so fast.
Time is short, the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
it is like an unopened gift...thrown away.

Life is not a race, do take it slower.
Hear the music...before the song is over.