MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS THE MEMORY OF FOUR QUEENS SCHOOLGIRLS KILLED IN A TRAGIC BUS ACCIDENT LAST YEAR
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today unveiled memorial plaques honoring four girls, Kia Satterfield, Olivia Warren, Kimberly Washington and Kristin Washington, all students from the Allen Christian School in Queens, who were killed in a tragic bus accident one year ago. Joining the Mayor and families of the four students at today's event were Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake and Rev. Dr. Elaine M. Flake, co-founders of the Allen Christian School, Queens Borough President Claire Shulman and Parks Commissioner Henry Stern.
"When four little girls with so much promise and vitality were taken from us under the most tragic circumstances, the entire City mourned," Mayor Giuliani said. "This tragedy has touched each and everyone of us. While I cannot possibly fathom the depth of the families' pain, as a parent I feel a deep sense of empathy.
"In their brief time on Earth, Olivia, Kia, Kimberly and her sister Kristin touched the lives of so many people. They were bright, happy and loving children with so much to offer the world. At the Allen Christian School, they were deeply loved by their fellow classmates and teachers. For those who knew them, the girls were considered 'Angels.'
"In the days and years ahead do not be afraid to call on your friends, family and God for love and support. As the Bible tells us, 'Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.' The plaques we are dedicating here today are a tribute to the memory of four little girls - Olivia, Kia, Kristen and Kimberly - 'Angels' of this City who will never be forgotten," the Mayor concluded.
Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake said, "It is with great sympathy and fond remembrance of four precious lives cut short by tragedy that we join as a City to commemorate our collective loss. As parents and families we empathize with the loss of others as if they were our own. I knew these young children as their pastor and friend. We can never bring them back to their families or to us, but we can continue to remember their presence, their beaming smiles and the short, yet beautiful lives they lived."
Queens Borough President Claire Shulman said, "The County of Queens joins with the parents in celebrating the life and mourning the death of these four little angels."
Commissioner Henry Stern said, "One year ago, a tree took the lives of these four children. Let their spirits blossom and live for eternity through the trees we are dedicating in their memory."
Four memorial plaques were unveiled today on the Francis Lewis Boulevard traffic median, inscribed with the following messages from the girls' parents:
"Angel, in memory of Kia Ja Nell Satterfield a 'perfect daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend.' We miss you."
-Lacy Satterfield Wright
"Angel, in memory of Olivia Warren precious daughter, God's angel blessed with strengths and talents, admiration and love always."
-Joyce Warren
"Angel, in memory of Kimberly Washington. We love you and will always cherish the time we had together."
-Deborah, Ann and Curt Washington
"Angel, in memory of Kristin Washington. We surrender our children to God's love that moves in through and for them."
-Deborah, Ann and Curt Washington
The City's Parks Department also planted seven crabapple trees, five hawthorn trees and five cherry trees to symbolize renewal and rebirth.
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