In Remembrance of Pan Am 103

The following article was written by Graham Herbert, Rector of Lockerbie Academy for a Syracuse publication, 'What is Soul?' which was commissioned by the new Chancellor Nancy Cantor - about 4 years ago:

At 19.03 (UK time) on 21st December 1988, the communities of Syracuse and Lockerbie – geographically separated by 3,000 miles – were about to become inextricably linked due to the explosion of Pan Am 103, thirty thousand feet above the small rural town of Lockerbie, Scotland (population around 3,000).

That night, the souls of our two communities were literally torn apart – this was the biggest mass murder in UK history. However, over the last sixteen years the bonds, friendships and collective feelings have brought an empathy, sense of morality and shared values between us that I believe is unique. We have over this time developed a common soul; a soul born out of grief, compassion and mutual understanding … I particularly like this quote from Harold Kushner.

The soul is not a physical entity, but instead refers to everything about us that is not physical – our values, memories, identity, sense of humour. Since the soul represents the parts of the human being that are not physical, it cannot get sick, it cannot die, it cannot disappear. In short, the soul is immortal.’

The values, memories and immortality referred to above are given living embodiment and physicality each year, as 35 Remembrance Scholars and two Lockerbie Scholars are selected in remembrance of those we lost in our two communities. Their souls are reinstated and strengthened annually in this act and, as surely as their names are inscribed for eternity on the granite memorials in Syracuse and Lockerbie, they will never be forgotten …

Despite my scientific background, I have grown to appreciate over the years that there are many things which will remain scientifically inexplicable. I now realise that good can truly come out of evil. I have witnessed and experienced a multitude of compassionate acts emerging from the aftermath of this tragic event. I have also come to understand the power of belief, spirituality and the strength borne out of true friendship in times of need. Collectively, I believe the souls of Lockerbie and Syracuse are stronger than ever … Finally, as a lover of anagrams in crossword puzzles, take the letters SU from Syracuse and LO from Lockerbie and I suggest you will get to the core of our two communities and that which gives new hope, new aspirations and new growth out of the carnage of 1988.

Click here to listen to a song sent to us by Marvin Conan from New York who lost a loved one, Jerome Weston on that night. His song called "Too Soon" was written in his cousin's memory. To view the lyrics click here.

Graham Herbert, Rector, Lockerbie Academy

Syracuse Links and Remembrance Events

In recognition of the forthcoming 20th Anniversary of the Lockerbie Air Disaster, a small party from our area was invited to the annual Convocation ceremony at Syracuse University. Councillors Gail McGregor and Michael Dickie along with Depute Rector of Lockerbie Academy, Gordon Ferrie, were hosted by Syracuse University.

On 21st December 1988 thirty five students from Syracuse University were among the passengers who died in the terrorist attack on Pan Am 103. Since then a scholarship programme has been set up in which 35 Syracuse University seniors are given an annual scholarship of $5,000 and two students from Lockerbie Academy are also given a scholarship for one year supported by both the Syracuse University Trust and Lockerbie Trust. This years Lockerbie Scholars are Lauren Flynn and Kirsty Liddon. To view the full list of Lockerbie Scholars click here.

Prior to going to Syracuse Mr Ferrie met up with another group of Lockerbie pupils in Washington who were on a New York/Washington History and Politics trip led by Mr Terrace of the Humanities Department. They visited Arlington Cemetery where they placed a photograph of the Lockerbie Wall of Remembrance at the sandstone Cairn sited on the hilltop at Arlington. This will be the location of one of the main remembrance events in December.

At Syracuse there were many commemoration events from 21st to 26th October, with the main focus being the Convocation ceremony at Hendricks Chapel.

At 2.03pm (7.03pmGMT) the 37 scholars walked down from the Hall of Languages at Syracuse University and after stating which late student they were representing they laid a red rose on top of a bed of carnations. After this there was a formal ceremony in Hendricks Chapel when the scholars were given scrolls and special pins from the Parents of Victims Group. Mr Ferrie followed Chancellor Cantor and gave a speech confirming the strength of ties between the two communities of Lockerbie and Syracuse.

Syracuse University had made a wonderful commitment to commemorating the number of Syracuse students who died – photographs of students were placed throughout the campus, ribbons were tied on trees, and throughout the campus there were displays from the Archives department. A selection of the Dark Elegy sculptures and a small cairn were placed in the university Quad. Frequently updated information can also be found on the Pan Am 103 20th Anniversary website at http://panam103.syr.edu.

Throughout the visit the Lockerbie Group were treated with great respect and great hospitality. In return all the Americans who spoke to the group, including Parents of Victims Group and staff who were directly involved in the desperate events of December 1988 were fulsome in their thanks to the people of Lockerbie and in particular their sensitivity, support, hospitality and understanding. Many lasting friendships have been established over the last 19 years.

Our thanks go to Dean Tom Wolfe for his kind invitation to Syracuse, and in particular - Judy O’Rourke and Eileen Fahey.

The Lockerbie group also met other Syracuse staff including “Doc” Larry Mason who has visited Lockerbie on many occasions with his photography students. He has finally completed, after 12 years, his 248 – page book “ Looking for Lockerbie” which will be on sale locally before Christmas. One copy of the book has arrived in Lockerbie and has been placed in the School Office. Advance orders for the book (price £40) can be made by contacting Kathleen Dougan on 01576 202626 or by e-mailing loffice682@ea.dumgal.sch.uk.