Thread by @101stAASLTDIV

The single biggest loss of life in the 101st Airborne wasn't during World War II. It wasn't during combat at all. It happened in Gander, Newfoundland, 35 years ago today, in the blink of an eye. 1/8

248 Soldiers and eight crew members died when Arrow Air flight 1285 crashed just after takeoff. They were returning from a deployment. They were coming home. 2/8

Family members were gathered to greet their Soldiers. They were waiting to welcome them back. None of them made it. 3/8

It was a horrible day. It’s a tragic part of our history. But as we do with everyone who has given their life, we remember them. 4/8

Every year, we gather at the memorial here at Fort Campbell. People travel far to be here, even three decades later. People greet old friends and wear old uniforms. 5/8

And it’s not just here. In Gander, and across the world, people remember them. We are humbled by the way Gander honors our Soldiers and the crew, and it is our honor to do the same. This is a thing that bonds us together, as tragic as it is. 6/8

Today, our shared grief has given way to shared remembrance. We can think of no better tribute to them than the memorial itself: living maple trees, planted in their memory. They won’t wither away. They’ll bloom new each year. 7/8

And, each year, we’ll tend them. We’ll keep them growing. We’ll come back.

And we’ll remember.

8/8