Crash of Flight 3407 Stills Vital Voices

The crash of Flight 3407 on the evening of February 12, 2009 has stilled 50 voices, all of them important, all of them loved. Four of those voices are among the many who have used their lives in areas that have affected me personally.

For those who, like myself, find themselves inexorably drawn to the joy and tragedy of the African experience, the death of Dr. Alison Des Forges is a terrible blow. Des Forges was a leading authority on the Rwanda genocide and has been a Senior Advisor to, and board member of, the world's foremost human right organization, Human Rights Watch, for nearly twenty years. Dr. Des Forges' example and wisdom have served to help us to better understand the triumphs and failing of the human condition and to see broadly the complexities of relationships between countries and ethnic groups.



Beverly Eckert was a picture of strength and dignity after the loss of her beloved husband in the tragedy of 9-11. She was the hammer of justice in her refusal to quietly accept the less-than-adequate response of the US government after the tragedy. Eckert became an amateur lobbyist and a tireless advocate for accountability and a justice that did not tarnish the moral authority of the United States. She spoke out against the human rights abuses perpetrated in the names of the 9-11 victims and right up until the day she died she had thrown herself into this new role. She was fond of explaining that her preference would have been for her husband to return home on that fateful day and her mission was now to make sure that other husbands would.

Alison Des Forges and Beverly Eckert were accidental heroes, drawn into the caldron of heroism by events not choice, but who embraced their roles with humor and humility. They will be missed by those who knew them and thousands more who simply admired their ideals and work and drew strength from their example.

Jazz Musicians Gerry Niewood and Coleman Mellett were also on board the flight, headed for a gig with Chuck Mangione in Buffalo. For anyone who has listened to the "Live in Central Park" CD by Simon and Garfunkle, the name Gerry Niewood will be familiar, Art Gunfunkle introduces Niewood during the live album

Gerry Niewood

Coleman Mellett was a regular band member of Chuck Mangione's band and was married to the daughter of jazz legend Dizzie Gillespie.

Coleman Mellett

"Among the Lupines on the Jefferson Highlands"



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