Remembrance Week concludes with Rose-Laying Ceremony honoring victims

At the final event in Syracuse University’s Remembrance Week for Pan Am Flight 103, 35 Remembrance Scholars, Lockerbie Academy students and teachers, university leaders and participants laid roses on Friday at the Wall of Remembrance in front of the Hall of Languages. With blue skies overhead, it was a special and emotional ceremony for all involved.

The event began with opening remarks and a beautiful performance by Otto Tunes, a student a acppella group. After Remembrance Scholars lined the pathways up the hill, they came down one by one to remember the students were killed in the tragedy 37 years ago. Students spoke about how they would carry forward their legacy while laying white roses on the Wall of Remembrance. The final two students laid roses in honor of the other passengers and crew on Pan Am Flight 103. 

The Lockerbie Academy students and teachers followed the Remembrance Scholars, laying roses for the 11 residents of Lockerbie, Scotland who also died as a result of the tragedy. SU leaders and other participants were also encouraged to lay down their own roses during the ceremony. The ceremony closed with a prayer led by Rabbi Natan Levy, in both Hebrew and English, followed by a solemn bagpipe performance. 

“This is definitely the culmination of everything we’ve done so far. This is really the first time we’ve introduced all the students we are representing. So I think this is one of the most important parts and this is where a lot of times, many of the families come as well,” Remembrance Scholar Eliora Enriquez said. “It’s the highlight event for Remembrance Week.”

Photo by Brian Koefoot

White roses rest at the Wall of Remembrance in front of the Hall of Languages on Friday, Oct. 23, after the Rose-Laying ceremony during Syracuse University’s Remembrance Week for Pan Am Flight 103.

Speaking with Remembrance Scholars and the Lockerbie Academy students and teachers, it is clear that the significance of this yearly event is clear to all those involved. The tragedy has brought people and communities around the world closer together. 

“Remembrance to me means bringing these two communities together, Lockerbie and Syracuse, and really creating a beautiful memorial out of our shared relationship and past,” Remembrance Scholar Aaron Lener said.

After Remembrance Week, the students from the Lockerbie Academy will return home. They will host an event in Lockerbie next week to share their experiences in Syracuse and will also host an event in December around the date of the bombing. 

“I think I’ll remember this week forever, no doubt. I think it’s been an incredibly meaningful week,” Remembrance Scholar Daniella Jacob said.

After the rose-laying ceremony, Remembrance Scholars gathered at Hendricks Chapel for a recognition ceremony to honor their efforts throughout this week. A new cohort of scholars will carry on the tradition next year, continuing SU’s commitment to honoring the victims of Pan Am Flight 103.