May 31 was the 129th anniversary of the Johnstown flood of 1889, which killed more than 2,000 people.
Every year, the Johnstown National Flood Memorial remembers the people who lost their lives in the flood.
On May 31, 1889 at 4:07 pm a wall of water hit Johnstown killing thousands.
“Today we honor, we remember. Says, Park Ranger Nathan Koozer, “But we also celebrate in a way, for the way, that the people responded to the disaster both in the moment and in the immediate aftermath as well. Rebuilding the city and making it an even greater place than it was before.”
Now again in 2018 the Johnstown National Flood Memorial commemorates the 129th anniversary of the tragedy by inviting the public to remember the lives lost.
“It's important.” Says visitor Eileen Litzenger, “It's the history of Johnstown and what it stands for and that there’re survivors here and that they made it through that and it is rebuilt and is such a lovely small town.”
2,209 lanterns glow, one for each life lost on that fateful day.
Over 100 volunteers, young and old, from all backgrounds came together to light the lanterns and remember the men, women, and children lost that day.
“I’m happy I get to help out with it,” Says Volunteer Jon Lidrose, “But it also makes me sad seeing how many people were killed in the flood.”
However, one thing no one could ignore, was the rainy weather.
“I think it's just, you know, whether you believe in it or not maybe it is the spirits of those who passed away that day.” Says Koozer, “But certainly it has to do with the weather patterns in this part of the world.”
But no matter the rain, the glow from the lanterns shined bright.
If you missed Thursday’s event you can always visit the Johnstown National Flood Museum every day from 9 AM until 5 PM.
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