Victims of Amtrak tragedy remembered in service at derailment site
Laura Finamore, Jim Gaines, Abid Gilani, Robert Gildersleeve, Derrick E. Griffith, Rachel Jacobs, Giuseppe Piras, Justin Zemser. As each name was read, a bell rang out and white dove of peace was released into the afternoon sky.
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Laura Finamore, Jim Gaines, Abid Gilani, Robert Gildersleeve, Derrick E. Griffith, Rachel Jacobs, Giuseppe Piras, Justin Zemser.
As each name was read, a bell rang out and white dove of peace was released into the afternoon sky.
Dozens of first responders, volunteers, neighbors as well as city, state, and federal officials gathered Sunday near the site of Tuesday's Amtrak derailment for a service of remembrance and reflection for those who were injured and killed in the crash.
"Before a train could pass this way, we must take a moment - a human moment - to recognize what happened," said Mayor Michael Nutter. A proper memorial service will be planned for a later date, he said.
Nutter gave credit to those who ran into the "darkness and danger" to give aid to the passengers on Amtrak 188.
From the neighbors who opened their doors to stunned victims, the police officers and firefighters who assisted the injured from the broken train cars, the medical personnel at the hospitals, and all the volunteers and city staff who came and worked for days, Nutter acknowledged their efforts.
"They are truly Philadelphia at its best and we thank all of them," he said.
Gov. Tom Wolf said the city's response "made all of us in Pennsylvania very, very, proud."
But it was the victims who were front and center as speaker after speaker vowed never to forget them and pledged another tragedy would not happen again.
"They will be great angels reminding us that everyone should get home safe and sound," said Anthony Foxx, U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
After Lauren Hart sang God Bless America, an emotional Joseph Boardman, Amtrak President and CEO called Tuesday "was the worst day for me as a transportation official that I've had."
"My prayers are out for those who lost their lives," said Rep. Bob Brady.
The Philadelphia Heritage Choral conducted by J. Donald Dumpson performed an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace near the conclusion of the service.
After the last dove had been released, Nutter had had one last message for the families of those injured or killed.
"Please accept our heartfelt prayers and expressions of sympathy," Nutter said. "We are with you in your pain and sorrow."
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