A Special Memorial Service at Concordia Lutheran Church

Upon the anniversary of the tragic Cerritos Air Disaster that took place 25 years ago, some residents looked for spiritual guidance. At the in Cerritos last Sunday, members gathered to reflect on that disastrous day.

During the service, some members of the church who experienced the disaster first hand, talked about what happened on that day a quarter of a century ago.

“The discussion was free-flowing and focused on seeing God's presence in those times where the answers are beyond us,” said Concordia Church Pastor Dustin Parker. “People shared their very strong memories of the smoke, and the pain, and where they were.”

On Aug. 31, 1986,  DC-9 Aeromexico Flight 498 collided with a small private Piper Cherokee Archer II carrying a Palos Verdes Estates family in the clear blue skies above Cerritos. Both planes violently came crashing down into a Cerritos neighborhood, killing 82 people, including 15 people on the ground. 

“How does one address such strong memories or the marks such an event leaves on our hearts and minds?” Parker asked. “That is where the service, and the Bible study time was focused -- how does one deal with things beyond our control?”

“Such should be the role of a church in times like those, or times like these. A place of comfort, a place of healing, a place where it's okay to remember our need for something more,” the pastor said.

Even for those who may not be religious, at times like this, it can helpful to speak with other people who have experienced the same tragic events, to share memories and honor those who died that sorrowful day.