Tracey Mann: “January 29 is typically a day of celebration in Kansas. From Manhattan to Goodland, Topeka to Liberal, Kansas City to…”

“January 29 is typically a day of celebration in Kansas. From Manhattan to Goodland, Topeka to Liberal, Kansas City to Dodge City, Kansans come together to celebrate the rich history of Kansas and to celebrate the anniversary of our statehood. January 29, 2025, changed the meaning of this day for Kansans forever. The entire world stood in disbelief as we watched a tragedy unfold in the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 out of Wichita and a U.S. Army helicopter. The world lost 67 bright, innocent souls that day, and I speak for all Kansans when I say that this is a day that we will never forget. When we celebrate our statehood in years to come, we will also feel the nudging of the somber emotions aroused by last month's accident. We will remember our fellow Kansans whose lives were tragically lost. They were farmers, parents, professors, college students with bright futures, all taken from us far too soon. Audrey and I continue to grieve, and we are praying for the victims and their families. We express our deepest gratitude to the efforts of local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers and first responders. It is our prayer that God would continue to provide comfort to their families, communities, and loved ones. There will be a lot to uncover in the days ahead. For now, we join Wichita, our beloved Kansas, and the Nation in mourning the lives lost.…”