By Greg Bradbury
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)
35 seats have been on display on the Syracuse University Quad to remember the 35 Syracuse University students who died on Pan Am Flight 103.
The students were returning home from a semester abroad when a bomb went off on the plane. The explosion killed all 270 people aboard the plane.
The plane departed Heathrow Airport and was supposed to be headed to New York City. Instead, the explosion made the plane crash in the town of Lockerbie, Scotland.
Each year, Syracuse University remembers the 35 Syracuse students who died in the crash with Remembrance Week. A week dedicated to looking back and acting forward. In addition, 35 seniors are chosen to be Remembrance Scholars. Each one represents a different student.
One of those students is Allie Westbrook. Westbrook represents Nicholas Vrenios.
The two both had went abroad to London and while they were packing had one thing on their minds.
“He brought a camera his guitar and a skateboard and I was like wow rock on that’s what you bring,” said Westbrook. “I remember when i was going to London that was a huge argument with my parents. I was like I am bringing the guitar and they were like no you aren’t.”
Westbrook didn’t get to bring her guitar, but ended up buying one once she got to London. She used it to write a song to remember those who died in the terrorist attack.
“The intro to the song is your mom still has your denim jacket with the patches on the sleeve you’ve been gone for quite some time but you will never leave,” said Westbrook.
Westbrook says it is difficult to find things in life that are permanent, but for her music is always there.
“A song can last for 2 to 4 minutes but it can stick with someone for a lifetime,” said Westbrook. “So I guess in a way my way of acting forward is making music that matters and making music that speaks to people.”
