(WDRB+WAVE/WYMT) — Fifteen bells rang out at a Louisville fire station Wednesday morning, one for each person killed in the deadly UPS plane crash exactly one year ago.
First responders, city and state officials started their day at the Okolona Fire Protection District, where UPS held the private ceremony.
It included 15 bells, one for each life lost, followed by a moment of silence.
UPS leaders and community members also took time to thank the first responders who rushed to the scene that day.
Bob Travis, president of the Independent Pilots Association, spoke about the three crew members — Captain Richard Wartenburg, First Officer Lee Truitt and International Relief Officer Captain Diana Diamond — killed in the crash.
“On that fateful day, my three friends and colleagues pushed up the throttles for takeoff, they had no way of knowing that within seconds they would face the impossible task of trying to fly the unflyable,” Travis said. “… Knowing Richard, Dana and Lee, I have no doubt they never stopped flying the airplane and they never gave up.”
Wednesday morning’s ceremony was just one of several ways the city of Louisville came together to remember that fateful day. The city, along with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, is hosting a citywide observance in the evening.
Churches, places of worship and other institutions across the city were encouraged to ring bells and carillons for one minute at 5:14 p.m. for Louisville Remembers Together.
Also in the evening, several gathered at Grade A Autoparts, ground zero of the crash. They heard remarks from leaders like Mayor Greenberg and Gov. Beshear. They heard all 15 names read, and heard music from the Louisville Orchestra.
“We stand on this hollowed ground, a place that was once full of life and a thriving business, birthed and built 21 years ago, serving customers similar to the same amount of people here with us tonight, each and every day,” said Grade A CEO, Sean Garber. “And then, in the blink of an eye, a tragic, needless, and avoidable act took it from us, along with 15 of our loved ones.”
UPS planes continued flying overhead during the ceremony.
“Being back here has been really hard. This is the first time I’ve been back inside the gate since the day of the accident,” said Grade A employee Ashley Muse.
Muse was working on the property that day. When she got out of that office building, she realized some of her coworkers and friends didn’t.
“I want people to know that the people that we gathered today to remember and give tribute to…they are people that had families and loved ones that miss them,” said Muse.
Grieving families stood with local leaders, first responders, and neighbors who showed up simply to wrap their arms around this community.
“We just got to all show our respects and love each other and take care of each other through these hard times,” said community member Jerry Key.
“There’s just lots of good people and employees, and I’m just very sad for those that are lost,” said Dustin Stocksdale, another employee. “I’m here to show my respect and love and all grow together and get stronger from this.”
While families continue to grieve, Garber says the community cannot truly heal until those at fault are held responsible.
“None of us asked for this or wanted it to happen. The innocent people taken and impacted that fateful day were simply living their lives. This was avoidable,” Garber said.