House Resolution Honors 265 Victims of Flight 587 Tragedy, Marking 24th Anniversary in November 2025

This resolution is a formal recognition by the House of Representatives, honoring and remembering the 265 people who died in the American Airlines Flight 587 crash in Rockaway, Queens, New York, on November 12, 2001. It’s a purely commemorative and solemn action, designed to ensure the tragedy and its victims are officially acknowledged, particularly as the twenty-fourth anniversary approaches in November 2025.

The Purpose: Official Remembrance

Unlike most bills we cover that deal with taxes, regulations, or new programs, this is a resolution of condolence and remembrance. It formally extends the “sincerest condolences of United States citizens” to the families, friends, and communities of the victims. The text specifically honors the 264 named victims, who came from diverse backgrounds, including the United States, the Dominican Republic, and several other countries. For the communities most affected—especially the Dominican-American community and the residents of Belle Harbor—this resolution serves as an official validation of their profound loss.

Remembering the Details

The resolution doesn't just offer condolences; it provides historical context, referencing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report from 2004. That report concluded the crash was caused by the vertical stabilizer separating mid-flight due to excessive rudder inputs by the first officer, exacerbated by the design characteristics of the Airbus A300-600 rudder system. It’s a quiet but important acknowledgment of the technical and human factors involved, noting that American Airlines has since modified its pilot training. This level of detail ensures the remembrance is grounded in the facts of the event, which is crucial for families seeking closure and accuracy.

A Community’s Ongoing Memorial

The resolution also recognizes the ongoing memorial efforts in Rockaway Park, where an annual ceremony is held every November 12th. This ceremony includes reading the names of all those killed and observing a moment of silence at 9:16 a.m., the estimated time of the crash. The text highlights the memorial wall, designed with windows angled toward the Dominican Republic. In short, this resolution is the government formally tipping its hat to the community's efforts to keep the memory alive, ensuring that the official record reflects the human cost and the enduring impact of the disaster.