Memorial to Plane Crash Victims Unveiled in Des Plaines

May 25, 1979, crash was the deadliest, non-terror-related airplane disaster in U.S. aviation history.

More than 1,000 people watched as a memorial to the 273 victims of the American Airlines Flight 191 crash was unveiled.

The May 25, 1979, crash was the deadliest, non-terror-related airplane disaster in U.S. aviation history. The crash of the DC-10 killed all 271 aboard and two on the ground.

The memorial in Lake Park in Des Plaines isn't far from where the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from O'Hare International Airport. The curved stone wall has all of the victims' names.
It was covered with flowers, cards and framed photos at the dedication ceremony.

Nancy Howell traveled from Knoxville, Tenn., for the ceremony. Her mother Elaine was on the flight.

She says the memorial allows her to think of something else when she comes to the area.

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