HomeMy WebLinkAbout20252956.tiffPROCLAMATION
UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 629 VICTIMS MEMORIAL DAY - NOVEMBER 1, 2025
WHEREAS, on November 1, 1955, a Colorado tragedy took place when the first confirmed case of
sabotage against a commercial aircraft in the U.S. occurred. United Airlines Flight 629 exploded
eleven minutes after take -off from Stapleton Field, eight miles east of Longmont within Weld County
killing all 39 passengers and 5 crew, and;
WHEREAS, this tragedy inflicted immense trauma on citizen responders and first responders in the
field that night, and on victims' families, leaving a lasting mark of sadness in the history of our
county, state and across the nation, and;
WHEREAS, numerous Weld County residents were impacted and responded to this senseless
tragedy. The wreckage landed on the Hopp, Heil, and Lang family farms. Those family members,
various municipalities, community members, law enforcement and volunteer firefighters
immediately came together at the scene to provide emergency assistance; and
WHEREAS, November 1, 2025, marks the 70th Anniversary of this horrific act of violence. The Denver
Police Museum has unveiled a permanent memorial to the victims and first responders of this
tragedy at the old Stapleton Tower. The Weld County Flight 629 Memorial Board is also working with
the Frederick -Firestone Fire District, Fire Station #6, and the community to place a permanent
memorial at the plane wreckage site, and:
WHEREAS, we honor the victims and acknowledge the tremendous pain and suffering that each
family had to endure because of this act of violence as we say each of the victim's names:
F.E. "Jack" Ambrose, Samuel F. Arthur, Bror H. and Irene Beckstrom, John P. Bommelyn, Frank M.
Brennan, Louise D. Bunch, Horace Brad and Carol Bynum, Thomas L. Crouch, Barbara J. Cruse, Carl
F. Deist, John P. Des Jardins, James and Sarah Dorey, Elizabeth D. and Gurney, Edwards, Helen
Fitzpatrick and son James, Lee H. Hall, Vernal Virgil and Goldie Herman, Elton B. Hickok, Jacqueline
L. Hinds, Marion P. Hobgood, John W. Jungels, Daisie E. King, Gerald G. and Patricia Lipke, Lela
McClain, Suzanne F. and Frederick Stewart Morgan, Peggy Ann Peddicord, James W. Purvis, Herbert
G. Robertson, Dr. Harold R. Sandstead, Sally Ann Scofield, Jesse T. Sizemore, James E. Straud,
Clarence W. Todd, Dr. Ralph Waldo and Minnie VanValin, Donald A. White, and Alma L. Winsor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Weld County Board of Commissioners that November 1,
2025, be recognized as United Airlines Flight 629 Victims Memorial Day.
BOA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
e/Z9
Those who will be in attendance 10/29/25:
Becky Tesone, representing, Flight 629 Memorial
Fire Chief Jeremy Young, representing 1st responders, Frederick -Firestone Fire District,
Station #6,
hosting the Weld County Flight 629 Memorial
Conrad Hopp and Martha Borgmann Hopp, eyewitnesses, citizen responders
Phil Bearly, eyewitness, representing and his Dad, Clayton Bearly eyewitness, citizen
responder,
- Former Manager of Johnsons Corner
FLIGHT 629
= MEMORIAL
FLIGHT629MEMORIAL.ORG
Greg Raymer, President Becky Tesone, V. President
Linda Allour V.P. Fundraising
Conrad Hopp, Board Member, 1955 farmer, eyewitness & citizen responder
Martha Hopp, Board Member, 1955 eyewitness & citizen responder
COL. G. R. CARREL, CHIEF
195O THIRTY-FIRST STREET TABOR 3361
DENVER 5
November 22, 1955
Claytthn Bearly
Johnsons Corner
Loveland, Colorado
Dear Mr. Bearly:
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I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and apprec-
iation for the assistance and cooperation rendered this organization by
you during the unfortunate crash of the United Air Lines airliner near
Longmont on November 1, 1955.
It is a source of great satisfaction and pride to know that in time of
disaster, all law enforcement agencies, Fire Departments, National Guard
Units and individuals cooperate so wonderfully.
Please accept my heartiest thanks for your timely assistance.
Trusting that you will call upon this department at any time we can be of
service to you, I remain,
Sincerely,
Pcuut-et_
G. , . CARREL, Chief
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