Memorial service at Smith Point marks 20 years since TWA disaster

A public memorial service was held at Smith Point County Park Sunday night to mark 20 years since the TWA Flight 800 disaster. The flags at the park's memorial were lowered to half-staff to honor the

News 12 Staff

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Jul 18, 2016, 6:25 AM

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Updated 3,078 days ago

A public memorial service was held at Smith Point County Park Sunday night to mark 20 years since the TWA Flight 800 disaster.

The flags at the park's memorial were lowered to half-staff to honor the 230 people who lost their lives when the plane exploded in midair on July 17, 1996.

Hundreds of family members and friends of those who were onboard were in attendance as the name of each victim was read at the service.

Family members also dropped 230 flowers into the ocean, each representing a life cut short.

TWA Flight 800 exploded mid-air on July 17, 1996, just 12 minutes into its flight from New York City to Paris. Wreckage from the plane fell into the ocean on Long Island's south shore.