'Wall of Hope' memorializes DC plane crash victims
A "Wall of Hope" memorial has been set up to honor those who lost their lives in the recent Washington, D.C., plane crash.
"Something about flowers makes you begin to heal, and I think that's so important," said the founder of Wall of Hope Foundation Leo Soto.
The memorial, which is housed along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., features hundreds of flowers and pictures of all 67 people killed on Jan. 29, when an American Airlines regional jet crashed into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
Soto, 29, has brought these floral displays, also known as "walls of hope," to cities across the globe that have suffered disastrous tragedies since 2021, when he lost a high school friend to a building collapse in Surfside, Florida, and wanted to pay tribute to the lives lost. He previously set up memorials in Uvalde, Texas, after the horrific school shooting in 2022, in Fort Myers, Florida after Hurricane Ian in 2022 and even in Lviv, Ukraine to honor the civilian victims of the war.
"When things happen, people don't really have a central location to come to for the community to begin to grieve and pay respects to their loved ones," Soto told ABC News. "So they walk around aimlessly like zombies."
Soto has built connections with flower importers in his hometown of Miami but also seeks out local businesses in the impacted areas he travels to for donated flowers.
Typically, Soto will show up alone, with loads of fresh flowers and laminated pictures of victims, when something indescribable happens — strangers off the street offer to help set up the display, each taking a moment to contribute to this memorial. Soto said he began working in D.C. on Tuesday and the display only took about three hours to complete.
MORE: Olympic figure skaters to honor DC plane crash victims in tribute show
The best part about the memorial process is the community's ability to make each memorial its own, Soto told ABC News. Whether it's adding teddy bears, poems or paintings, Soto's original idea takes on its own meaning, full of powerful emotion.
"I've seen people cry, I've seen people hug me. I've seen people avoid looking at it because it's so painful," Soto said. "It creates a genuine reaction within each individual, and I think that's a beautiful way to honor the victims that were lost."
Soto encourages memorial visitors to bring artificial flowers to replenish the display and lengthen the lifespan of the tribute. Soto said the foundation is also partnering with local artists to add additional creations to the side panels of the memorial.
"The community involvement is what's really important to me," Soto said. "It's not just a memorial that's there to be seen. It's a memorial that's there to be grown and taken over by the local community."
'Wall of Hope' memorializes DC plane crash victims originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-EMERGENCYEXIT0625-7c5e169571e04144a14046ef2de88d94.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
What Would Actually Happen If You Tried to Open the Airplane Emergency Door Mid-flight?
The most important thing in the exit row on a plane isn't the extra legroom—it's the emergency door. These doors are strategically located throughout the aircraft so that passengers can easily evacuate, regardless of whether they're in first class or the last row. The Airbus A380—the world's largest commercial aircraft—has 16 emergency doors. That's approximately one for every 50 passengers. While part of the flight attendant safety speech includes pointing out where the nearest emergency doors can be found, it doesn't include the answer to one burning question. What happens if you try to open the emergency door mid-flight? If you ask American Airlines First Officer Steve Scheibner, nothing would happen if you tried to open the door—because you can't open the emergency door mid-flight. Unless you're capable of lifting 25,000 pounds, it's physically impossible. 'Once this door gets pressurized in flight, it's nine pounds per square inch,' says Scheibner, who goes by Captain Steeeve on TikTok where he has more than 380,000 followers. Another pilot-turned-social media sensation explains it further on YouTube: 'We pressurize our aircraft to a lower altitude so that you guys can breathe,' says Pilot PascalKlr. 'The inside pressure pushes the door in its frame.' Scientists liken it to how a drain plug works. Given the small size of sink and bath drains, it takes a substantial amount of effort to pick them up. Also, most emergency exit doors on planes open inwards. Still, physics isn't the only thing keeping emergency doors closed during flights. On most commercial aircraft, all cabin doors automatically lock once the plane has reached a certain speed. According to Scheibner, it's approximately 80 knots (92 miles per hour). They can't be manually unlocked until the plane slows down again. Obviously, these locks weren't customary back in 1971 when the infamous 'D.B. Cooper' parachuted out of a Boeing 727's rear door with $200,000 in cash somewhere over southeastern Washington. In fact, because hijacking passenger planes was common in the late '60s and early '70s, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amended their safety regulations in 1972 and started requiring large passenger aircraft exits to be designed so that they can't be opened during flight. Exit sign in an airplane. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Even though it's not possible to open an emergency door mid-flight, people have tried. In fact, every year passengers make headlines for trying to do so. A few weeks ago, an All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Houston was diverted to Seattle after an unruly passenger kept trying to open the emergency doors. Cabin crew and fellow passengers managed to restrain him using zip ties. Upon landing in Seattle, the passenger was handed over to the local police and FBI. And when an American Airlines passenger on a flight from Albuquerque to Chicago tried to open an emergency door 20 minutes into their flight last year, the plane returned to Albuquerque where law enforcement was waiting. If the plane isn't far from its final destination, it will usually try to land there. That's what happened on another American Airlines flight in 2024 when a passenger flying from Milwaukee to Dallas attempted to open an emergency door mid-flight. A flight attendant was injured in the process, and the man was charged with a federal crime. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. At the very least, trying to open an emergency door mid-flight is a great way to get yourself on the dreaded no-fly list. While most passengers who try to open emergency doors fail, at least one appears to have succeeded. In 2023, a passenger on an Asiana flight about to land in Daegu, South Korea allegedly opened the emergency door he was sitting next to. The plane was more than 700 feet off the ground at the time. While the plane was able to safely land, and no one was seriously injured, 12 people went to the hospital and were treated for hyperventilation. 'The wind was stinging my legs and hitting my face so hard I couldn't even breathe properly,' the passenger sitting next to him recalled in an interview with CNN. Asiana immediately launched an investigation to see how the door was able to be opened. It also issued a statement saying it would stop selling certain exit row seats on its Airbus A321-200 aircraft. But this doesn't exactly mean that sitting next to an emergency door is dangerous. On the contrary, some experts say the exit row boasts the safest seats on the plane. 'If there was a seat that was safer, being close to an emergency exit increases the chance of getting out quicker,' Cary Grant, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Aviation, previously told T+L.
The Hill
2 days ago
- The Hill
Several injured after Tennessee skydiving plane crashes near airport: authorities
TULLAHOMA, Tenn. (WKRN) — Authorities are on the scene of a plane crash in Tullahoma, Tennessee, that has left multiple people injured. According to the Coffee County Sheriff's Department, the Sunday crash was reported near the Tullahoma Regional Airport and Old Shelbyville Highway, about 75 miles southeast of Nashville. The Tullahoma Police Department reported that the plane involved, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, appears to be a skydiving plane. It's unclear if those on board were skydivers. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said it is believed 16 to 20 people were on board, while the Federal Aviation Administration told ABC News that preliminary information pointed to 20 people being on board the plane. Several injured individuals have been transported to hospitals by medical helicopter, and others are receiving treatment at the scene. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security told ABC News only two people on board the plane were seriously injured, adding that there are no known fatalities at this time. According to the FAA, the plane crashed around 12:45 p.m., shortly after taking off from Tullahoma Regional Airport. THP has asked residents to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work. No additional information was immediately released, but Nexstar's WKRN has a crew on scene gathering more details.
Time Magazine
4 days ago
- Time Magazine
10 Intriguing World Records According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. World records capture the extraordinary, showcasing the limits of human ability, natural phenomena, and technological innovation. They inspire awe, curiosity, and even a sense of possibility, reminding us that the boundaries of achievement are constantly being pushed. Whether it's the fastest, tallest, largest, or most unique, world records are a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. Throughout history, people have strived to break barriers, often devoting their lives to setting records that seem impossible. From physical feats of strength and endurance to scientific and technological milestones, these achievements symbolize the pinnacle of human effort and the extraordinary aspects of the world around us. They also serve as snapshots of history, reflecting our collective fascination with the exceptional. This article celebrates 10 intriguing world records, using research assistance from ChatGPT, chosen for their significance, impact, and inspiration. Each record represents an impressive achievement that exceeds ordinary expectations and has captured the imagination of people worldwide. 1. Tallest Man in Recorded History: Robert Wadlow Robert Wadlow, known as the "Alton Giant," holds the record for the tallest man in recorded history, standing at an incredible 8 feet 11 inches (272 cm). His height was due to a condition called hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, which caused excessive growth due to hormone production. Born: February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois Condition: Hyperplasia of the pituitary gland Life Span: Lived to the age of 22, passing away in 1940 Impact: Symbol of resilience and acceptance of physical differences Legacy: Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest person in history 2. Fastest 100-Meter Sprint: Usain Bolt Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, born in 1986, set the world record for the 100-meter dash at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, clocking an astonishing time of 9.58 seconds. Known as the "Lightning Bolt," his record remains unbeaten. Date Set: August 16, 2009 Location: Berlin, Germany Notable Achievements: 8-time Olympic gold medalist Legacy: Regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time Impact: Inspired a new generation of athletes worldwide 3. Deepest Ocean Dive: Challenger Deep The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the deepest point on Earth, reaching a depth of approximately 36,070 feet (10,994 meters). Victor Vescovo holds the record for the deepest solo dive, achieved in 2019 using a specially designed submersible. 4. Most Viewed YouTube Video: "Baby Shark Dance" The 'Baby Shark Dance' holds the record as the most-viewed video on YouTube, with over 15.1 billion views (and counting). Its catchy tune and playful animation captured the attention of children and adults worldwide. 5. Tallest Structure Ever Built: Burj Khalifa The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest man-made structure in the world, a skyscraper standing at 2,717 feet (828 meters). This architectural marvel is a symbol of human ambition and engineering excellence. The second tallest structure is the Merdeka 118 skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia at 2,227 feet. 6. Longest Time Spent in Space: Valery Polyakov Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov holds the record for the longest continuous time spent in space, with a mission lasting 437 days, 17 hours, and 58 minutes (18 months) aboard the Mir space station. He died in 2022 at the age of 80 in Moscow. 7. Heaviest Weight Lifted: Paul Anderson Paul Anderson, an American weightlifter, set a world record in 1957 by lifting an astonishing 6,270 pounds (2,840 kg) in a backlift. This feat remains one of the greatest demonstrations of strength in history. Date Set: 1957 Technique: Backlift Legacy: Known as the "Strongest Man in History" Achievements: Olympic gold medalist (1956) in weightlifting Cultural Impact: Inspired strength athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide 8. Longest Marathon Running Streak: Ron Hill Ron Hill, a British long-distance runner, holds the record for the longest streak of running every single day. Hill ran at least one mile every day for 52 years and 39 days, a streak that ended in 2017. He died at the age of 82 in 2021. Minimum Distance: At least 1 mile daily Legacy: Symbol of dedication and perseverance in athletics Impact: Inspired the "run streak" movement Notable Achievements: Competed in two Olympics (1964, 1972) Significance: A testament to human endurance and consistency 9. Largest Animal on Earth: The Blue Whale The blue whale is the largest animal ever recorded, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 100 feet (30 meters) and weighing up to 200 tons. This majestic marine mammal symbolizes the grandeur of Earth's biodiversity. Weight: Up to 200 tons Diet: Primarily krill, consuming up to 4 tons daily Habitat: Found in oceans worldwide, preferring colder waters Conservation Status: Endangered due to hunting and habitat loss, only 10-25 thousand exist currently worldwide. Significance: A reminder of the importance of marine conservation 10. Fastest Land Animal: The Cheetah The cheetah holds the title of the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph (113 km/h) in short bursts while chasing prey. Top Speed: Up to 70 mph (113 km/h) Acceleration: Can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds Habitat: Grasslands and savannas in sub-Saharan Africa Diet: Carnivorous, primarily hunting gazelles and smaller mammals Conservation Status: Vulnerable, with population declines due to habitat loss; only 7100 Cheetahs are estimated to be left in the world. Legacy: A symbol of speed and agility in the animal kingdom Conclusion on World Records World records remind us of the extraordinary possibilities within nature, human achievement, and technological innovation. From the towering heights of the Burj Khalifa to the deepest ocean dive, these records captivate our imagination and challenge us to push the boundaries of what we believe is possible. These 10 records are more than mere statistics; they are stories of ambition, perseverance, and wonder. As we continue to explore the limits of our world and ourselves, new records will emerge, ensuring that the spirit of achievement endures for generations to come. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
