Emotional Tribute Honors Victims of D.C. Plane Crash, First Responders
An emotional tribute event was held at Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon to honor the victims of the January plane crash in D.C., as well as the first responders who rushed to their aid.
The event, which featured figure skaters from around the country, including Olympian Johnny Weir, left the audience speechless. A poignant performance by 13-year-old Isabella Aparicio, who lost her older brother and father in the crash, was particularly moving.
“It was beautiful,” said Dmitri Kolluch, who attended the event with his wife. “It was good for many people on many different levels. A lot of broken hearts came with this.”
The event was organized by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and featured a two-hour program with performances from current and former skaters. The dasher boards around the rink displayed a panel of 67 stars, commemorating each of the victims of the January 29 crash.
The D.C. Fire and EMS Department also paid tribute to the victims, flying an American flag hung between two ladder trucks across F Street in front of the main entrance.
“Everybody knows somebody,” said Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment. “The coach, you had a friend, that was the shock to everyone. This gives us an opportunity to celebrate the families, the first responders’ work, and on an ongoing basis, remember.”
The event also featured a dedicated group of K9s and their handlers from the D.C. Fire and EMS Department, as well as therapy dogs for families and loved ones who attended.
Representatives from local teams showcased the community’s solidarity and support, with Briana Bennett, Skating Director of the Ashburn Ice House, saying, “It’s going to bring a lot of closure to the skating community.”
The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) also opened an online benefit auction, offering additional opportunities to support communities impacted by the tragedy. All proceeds from merchandise sales and the auction will benefit affected families, loved ones, and first responders through the MSEF Legacy on Ice program.
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