Posted: Thursday, November 16, 2017

The University of Evansville will hold a 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1977 Plane Crash on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held at Memorial Plaza on the UE campus.

The Air Indiana Flight 216 crashed at 7:22 p.m. on the evening of December 13, 1977 carrying the University of Evansville basketball team along with coaches, administrators, and fans. Those gathered will observe a moment of silence at that time during the candlelight vigil. 

The order of service will include candle lighting, a reading of the names of those who perished in the plane crash, and a bell ringing during each interval. University of Evansville President Thomas A. Kazee will provide a statement, followed by the singing of the UE alma mater, prayers, and bagpipes.

An opportunity for informal gathering and fellowship will be offered in Ridgway University Center’s 1959 Gallery and Lounge immediately following the ceremony. Neu Chapel will also be open for personal prayer and meditation throughout the evening.

The public is invited to attend this commemoration and the University of Evansville is working to personally reach families of those who perished. A Facebook event has also been created for interested guests to stay up to date with information. Visit www.facebook.com/UniversityofEvansville to find the event. 

Additionally, a memorial service to honor the first responders involved in this tragedy will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on the same day. 

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