“The last few days have been an experience that I would not wish on anyone. It’s been terrible, harrowing for the family, they’re still in grave shock over what happened here, it’ll take a long time of grieving to over come this”
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Nearly a hundred people gathered on a ferry Monday off the coast of American Samoa during a memorial service* honouring the Indiana teenager who died and his father who is missing after their plane crashed during an attempt to circumnavigate the world.
The body of 17-year-old Haris Suleman was found shortly after his plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday after leaving Pago Pago. U.S. Coast Guard officials on
Sunday said they were suspending the search for 58-year-old Babar Suleman.
Haris Suleman had hoped to set the record for the fastest circumnavigation around the world in a single-engine airplane with the youngest pilot in command. His journey also was a fundraiser to help build schools in his father’s native Pakistan.
“Such challenges of circumnavigating the world, an enormous contribution to build schools, are charities of those with great hearts, and unconditional love to society,”
American Samoa Lieutenant Governor, Lemanu Peleti Mauga, said during the memorial service.
“American Samoa shall remember the Suleman family in our prayers.”
Speaking at the memorial service, Nabel Raazi said the Sulemans are overwhelmed with the support provided by the American Samoa government and people. Cyrus, the oldest son of Barbar Suleman and brother of Haris, was also present.
“The last few days have been an experience that I would not wish on anyone,” Raazi said.
“It’s been terrible, harrowing for the family, they’re still in grave shock over what happened here, it’ll take a long time of grieving to over come this.
“We still have many unanswered questions that we need answers to bring closure to the family. We have the body of Haris Suleman, 17-year old boy who’s dream is to fly around the world.”
But their main concern and focus is to locate Babar Suleman, who is still missing.
“While hope is fading fast, we’re still hoping for a miracle from God to find him alive.”
“Ever since our arrival on island, a few days ago, we have received overwhelming support and help from the island authorities, and the Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Visitors Bureau, Department of Public Safety-Marine
Patrol, Office of the Governor and Office of Congressman Falomavaega Eni Hunkin.”
“I hope that we will continue to receive the same cooperation from the American Samoa Authorities and the kindness of the people from American Samoa, that we already have received.”
“I also hope that the vital help that we need from the federal authorities from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) will be forthcoming and it has been so far what we request from them is to respond.”
Lt. Governor Lemanu said the past few days has been tough on everyone.
“How does one express the amazing essence and spirit of Mr Babar Suleman and Haris Suleman with their selfless generosity, uncompromising belief in all that is good with their unwavering commitment to the country, families and friends?” he asked.
Lemanu said even the very best words, cannot pay tribute or truly capture the sense of loss.
“The loss is there, touchable and real within everyone, but Babar and Haris Suleman exemplified life, love and an irresponsible belief and faith in seeing the best in everything, even loss.”
“Today (Monday) we honour Babar and his son Haris by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also by remembering them, as amazing citizens who have played a unique and special role in all our lives.”
“On behalf of the American Samoa Government and the people of American Samoa we will remember Barbar and his son Haris Suleman as great navigators and citizens foundation contributors.”
“Such challenges of circumnavigating the world, an enormous contribution to build schools are charities of those with great hearts and unconditional love for society.”
“American Samoa will remember you with all our special memories from all the days gone before that we were privileged to share with you and in all the tomorrows we will feel you gone in some ways but your presence ever near.”
Lemanu urged American Samoa residents to remember the Suleman families in their prayers.
*Information from Joyetter Luamanu of Samoa News and the Associated Press
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