On Sunday, December 21 at 2:03 p.m. EST, the Syracuse University community gathered in person and virtually for the annual Pan Am Flight 103 memorial service. The service, hosted by the Dean and Chaplains of Hendricks Chapel in partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Remembrance and Lockerbie Scholars, honored the 270 people, including Syracuse University study abroad students, who were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland on that date and time 36 years ago. A recording of the service is available below.

In addition to the University’s annual memorial service, ceremonies were also held in the community of Lockerbie, Scotland and by the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, Inc. (VPAF103, Inc.) at Arlington National Cemetery at the Lockerbie Memorial Cairn. A recording of the annual ceremony held at the Cairn is available through the VPAF103, Inc. website at this link.

Remembrances for the 2025 Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial Service

The following remembrances were submitted in advance of the 2025 annual memorial service hosted by Syracuse University:

As  a member of the first class of Remembrance Scholars at SU, this day still holds a place of sadness in my heart. I will never forget the darkness that fell over the campus and how much we all were grieving over such beautiful lives  that were lost. – Ann Abrahamson Kidd ’91

Class of 1968. I went to see the memorial while I was on campus. The shootings at Brown University are bringing back many memories.  I live in Providence and have spent much time at Brown. God bless everyone. – Suzanne Affigne ’68

I remember like it was yesterday, hearing this on the morning news. I was shaking. I know a family whose  daughter was on that flight. They never recovered from it. – Susan Alford ’84, G’89

May we all constantly seek understanding rather than hatred. – Beth Brownson ’81, G’85, L’85

The news was such a shock – they announced it at the basketball game – and I was up until about 2 a.m. hoping for news about people I knew… an incredible co-worker , , fellow artists, and one of my best friends. No social media. No cell phones. The stories started filtering in. Three days later, I found out my good friend had decided to stay in England, but then came back to campus afterwards. It was incredibly painful. Those beautiful people – all of them who perished that day – such a loss! Thank you for providing a space for remembrance on campus and the service each year. – Judith Burgess ’89

This tragedy touches me deeply. I attended the DIPA program for two  semesters in London 1976-77. These students followed on the same path as me and lost their lives to terrorism. – Deborah Cauley ’78

The unity forged among Remembrance Scholars, sustained by the profound inspiration of honoring the victims, continues to guide my research today. – John Crandall ’10

God bless the friends and families who lost loved ones on that terrible day. – Martin Dempsey ’87

Remembering my beloved friend, Julianne F. Kelly. – Mary Elias

I am grieving the beautiful souls I knew as the Student Government Association beat reporter for the Daily Orange. So many bright lights. May your memory be a blessing. – Jayne Feld ’91

Remembering two students from the School of Social Work who died in the crash. Never forget. – Jennifer Genovese G’83, Ph.D.’13

Sending love and prayers to the families. Still remembering all the love and light Amy Shapiro embodied. Miss her every day. – Michele Hennessy ’89

Never Forgotten, you will always be with me… – Lauren Henry ’90

Remembering our sweet friends and that amazing fall 1988 semester in London all together. We hold you always in our hearts. XO – Lauren Jordahl ’89

In honor and memory of Wendy Lincoln, for whom I had the privilege of representing during 2006 as a Remembrance Scholar. – Jessica Kershaw ’07

Friend of Tim Cardwell – Ellen Krassowski ’89

To our brother Gary Colasanti–never forgotten. – Andrew Lill ’90

I was a member of the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble at the time and my “little sister” in the choir was on that flight. She was so kind hearted.  I always think of her. – Jackie Lockette ’90

Never forgetting my time in London, or my friends… – Perrin Joel Lumbert ’90, SU London, Fall 1988

I was studying abroad at the same time through the University of Rochester.  Two U of R students were also killed on this flight. It was a tragic and traumatic event and will forever live in my heart and soul.  For the families impacted, you are remembered and thought of every year at this time. – Diane Lyon

Missing my friend and fraternity brother Steve Boland. – Andrew McGuire ’91

I was a junior at Syracuse in December 1988, and I would have graduated with most of the SU students on Pan Am 103. Thirty-seven years later, the anguish is still great, and we still deeply mourn. – Andrew J. Milner ’90

I remember this tragedy so well, having returned from my own semester abroad the previous year at the same time.  This loss continues to have the same impact  now as it did then and I greatly appreciate all Syracuse does to remember these promising students who now live through our remembrance of them. – Marina Niznik ’88

I was a graduate teacher at SU when this tragedy occurred. I also lost my Dad at this time. I am a New York Upstater, I stayed and coached for 10 years and was also a New York State lifeguard 10 years. This is on my mind more than I would like. – Doris Anne O’Hara G’89

As a former Remembrance Scholar, Class of 2000,  this will forever impact me. God bless the families of the students lost, and those departed. May they sleep in heavenly peace. – Simmone Pone ’00, G’05

Remembering Steve Boland. – David Rayburn ’92

Year after year, on December 21, and days throughout the year, I think of my friends and the memories we had. They remain with me in my heart! – Cheryl Rogers ’90

Rest in peace, beautiful children. – Carlos Santos ’89

I was passing a newsstand in Manhattan when I first saw the news and saw a photo of the distraught mother at the airport.  So distressingly sad. – Carolyn Straub G’79

Steve Berrell and I went to high school together in Fargo, North Dakota; just a few years apart. He came to my house during winter break 1987 to talk to me about life at SU since I’d just been accepted. We were excited to know we’d see each other on campus and he offered to show me around. Steve was studying abroad in London during fall semester in 1988 so I leaned on two other high school classmates – seniors Pat Odegaard and John Simonson – who were like big brothers to me during my freshman year. I remember that day so clearly; it was during finals week and I became aware of the bombing while taking a break from studying to watch TV in my dorm room at Haven Hall.  In the first breaking news segment about Pan Am 103 it was not yet known if any students were on board, just that a terrorist attack had occurred. I called Pat and John (who were roommates) in a panic, Steve is on that flight! They tried to calm me down, saying we didn’t know anything yet so how could I know for sure. I insisted, saying I had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. Just then, while we’re on the phone, a news update flashed across the screen that there were 35 students from SU on the flight. As their names started to scroll up, Steve’s name appeared among the lives lost and I screamed. Pat and John told me to come over right away, and I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to process the devastating news alone.  RIP Steve. I’ll always remember you. – Laura Thyberg ’93

I was on campus. I remember that 1988 moment. The families, friends and victims are in my prayers. – Amy Walker G’89

Remembrance Scholar 2011-2012. – Kathleen Walpole ’12

It was a terrifying experience. – Steven Williams ’85

My next door neighbor and my dear childhood friend, John Patrick (aka JP) Flynn was among those lost on this most tragic of days. To this day, I still think of him and the impact he had and missed out on having on this world. Until we meet again my friend. – Kirsten York ’92