Pan Am families thank senator

Last week senator Bob Menendez received recognition for the work he has done throughout his career in seeking justice on their behalf.
Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb on December 21, 1988, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew — including 34 New Jerseyans — as well as 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie.
Senator Menendez said: “For almost three decades, families who lost loved ones on Pan Am 103, like the 34 families in New Jersey, have been waiting for justice, and I have been waiting and working alongside them.
“I know that justice has not been fully served and I again told family members of the victims today that I will never forget their loved ones and that I will continue to fight to ensure all leads are pursued so we find the truth together.”
The award was presented to Senator Menendez by Mary Kay Stratis, who lost her husband, and Joan Dater, who lost her daughter, in the attack.
Stratis’ husband of 20 years and college sweetheart, Elia Stratis, was on the flight planning to return from a business trip from Germany and the Netherlands.
Joan’s daughter, Gretchen Joyce Dater, was just 20 years old and a student at Syracuse University-Maryland Institute of Art. She was on her way home for Christmas.