News Flash

The Public is Invited to a Ceremony to Commemorate

       the 60th Anniversary of the Crash of TWA Flight 529

On Wednesday , September 1 at 2:04 p.m.                                                                                                                  

Prairie Trail Park 218 McArthur Drive Willowbrook, Il 60527

On September 1, 1961, in the early morning came an explosion that must have sounded and looked like the world coming to an end.  It was 2:04 a.m. when locals were jarred from their slumber just south of Clarendon Hills.   Within minutes volunteer firefighters from Clarendon Heights were at the scene of this tragic and chilling event as the crash happened in their “backyard.” All other surrounding fire departments followed shortly.  There in the cornfields, between 59^th & 61^st Streets and Clarendon Hills Road & Bentley Avenue, was found the burning wreckage of an airplane. 

A ceremony is scheduled to commemorate the 60^th Anniversary and to dedicate a permanent memorial to remember the souls lost to the crash. This monument will honor the fire departments and first responders from Clarendon Heights, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Hinsdale, Tri-State, Downers Grove and Western Springs.  It will begin at 2:04 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1^st at Prairie Trail Park 218 McArthur Drive, Willowbrook (located along  the east side of Clarendon Hills Road just south of 59^th Street).  The public is invited to attend.