Ordinary People United by Tragedy
Within weeks, heartbroken and outraged families across America became a crusading force demanding that their government address critical issues stemming from the attack. Citing a deadly pattern of “business as usual” that protected and subsidized industry interests over the public’s interest, these accidental activists championed historic changes to enhance flyers’ and victims’ rights and secure basic restitution. Their work continues to bring attackers to justice and keep flyers safe.
Legacy Story Library
The December 21, 1988 terrorist attack profoundly changed the lives of tens of thousands of people around the globe including Americans, Scots, and victims’ families from 21 different countries. From the tragedy emerged stories of sacrifice, hope, resilience, generosity, and advocacy. The Foundation is committed to documenting these essential stories and giving voice to victims’ loved ones, first responders, clergy, scouts, the Lockerbie community, Pan Am Airways, and Syracuse University.
First Responders
Within hours of the crash, over 300 firemen and 1,000 police officers from across Scotland arrived to aid in the search for victims and recovery of evidence. In the following months, hundreds more U.K. and U.S. investigators joined these efforts, which covered a search area of 845 square miles.
Hometown Heroes
When Pan Am 103 crashed residents of Lockerbie leapt into action. They selflessly aided first responders, assisted with the months long search effort, and hosted grieving victims’ families. They built profound and lasting relationships with each other and with those impacted by the attack globally.
Survivors
Victims' families had to navigate slow, inaccurate information from airlines, government authorities, and the news media. Lockerbie was a scene of destruction and death. Syracuse University lost students. Pan Am employees lost coworkers, then their jobs. The attack's global fallout included the loss of homes, workplaces, a sense of security, and trust in the U.S. and U.K. governments.
Accidental Activists
In the months and years following the terrorist attack, many victims' loved ones channeled their grief and anger into political action. These individuals had no background or training in activism, and they fought for and accomplished meaningful reform in aviation security, disaster crisis management, and restitution for victims of terrorism.
Champions of Truth, Justice, Accountability and Change
Out of the disaster emerged a diverse ensemble of professionals who fought for change. From advocating for flyers' rights, demanding legislation, to filing a civil lawsuit against the terrorists, these courageous advocates advanced measures that made aviation safer.
Our Global Community
For more than three decades, individuals and organizations have worked to uncover the truth about the attack; advocate for justice, accountability, and change; and honor victims and survivors. We salute this inspirational work and aspire to build upon all bodies of work, amplifying voices to tell the complete Pan Am 103 Lockerbie story.
