http://www.flight629memorial.org/

Flight 629 Memorial, Ronald Reagan Boulevard go North on Barefoot Lakes Pkwy and East on Bluestem Lane, Firestone, CO (2026)

Q: What is the address?

Ronald Reagan Boulevard Go North On Barefoot Lakes Pkwy And East On Bluestem Lane

08/22/2026

The Hunt for Flight 629 Plane Pieces.

The Offer
A unexpected time came to go explore! Flight 629 was offered a chance for a person to go out and look for plane parts. We wanted to see the depth of what the challenges were. Various people over the years have searched for parts and now after 70 years the time was drawing to a close as developers were purchasing their property and planing their communities..

We are thankful for the ones who had the best intentions of getting parts for the community to see. We have various stories about many missing parts. We were so disappointed but we will not stop serving the families. This is the families private grief and also those who like Martha and Conrad Hopp or Phil whose Dad Clayton Bearly was on the field that night. Those who unselfingly showed up without being asked we thank you and the history their families hold in their loved ones stories passed down by generations. We want to include those who have contacted us to share their story. The ones hired to remove the victims and the plane. It all takes a toll.

Missing Parts
For the ones on the committee and others who have watched the work unfold, we were sad that those who labored for the parts for several summers who offered the parts for a museum let them down..
Digging in the earth for two summers I want to add is not a easy task for anyone. I only experienced it for 3 hours. They have every right to be disappointed. We were told even by a person in authority they would check into it only to be let down by a dry promise.
This gift of special pieces were given with the understanding it would go into a museum. We have even heard from others who saw the buckets go out the door. Whom was carrying it. So we leave it on them as we continue to do the work. We are letting it go as the rear view mirror is not ours to hold. It is between the creator and them. We have laid it down with much sorrow for such a significant purpose and importance for the 44 families and those who went through the trauma that night and in days ahead.
Knowing that God sees all we move forward with a promise to stay accountable for what God will give us.

Say what?
As you have read our FB stories, newspaper article and watched the videos there is so much history. So when Flight 629 President Greg Raymer called me and said, "Becky this is a chance to learn by going to see what searching the land entails for plane parts. Can you follow up on this text and go look for parts?” I answered, “Of course!” Knowing he was disappointed in not being able to go, I did not hold it lightly by any means. With a quick turn around the next day, off I went.

As I drove to Firestone down to Hwy 66 heading west (or from I-25 head east.) I once again got a chance to look at the beautiful mountains on this drive in, it never gets old. This has been my path since Marian Poeppelmeyer came into my life with her book. Then the winter of 2023 as a board member.

But how does the land tell the story?
I went out to the field in a section where many parts have been found before. I walked in high corn rows, that dipped down to where irrigation water ran, then up to the next row where seeds had been planted for the crops. Weeds were high. It was tough to stay upright. Sometimes maneuvering by holding on to the weeds or stepping back and taking a different path. Within 3 hour of working with a shovel, one hand held detector, and a larger metal detector I was not disappointed. In a short time the sound of the metal detector went off.

The News
On my way home, I called Greg and Linda. I was feeling depleted but I had a undercurrent of relief. I had not yet formed the now what, like Greg carried! In the next several hours pieces were found. I relayed. My heart felt relief we now held the reality of plane pieces that impacted 44 families and the farmers, the community and the responders. We We have been working on just getting the have too's done of forming a 501-c, the website, brochure and later the land. I never thought this would be so real let alone happen. What woman gets to go search for plane pieces..

The find-
God is good and the promises He gives do not go void. You see in the photo the pieces that were laid out. It really is weighty!
I came home with 15 pieces of the sacred site from 1955. The first terror attack using a plane to murder. Instructions from an expert would come. The reason you fly in safety now by a xray of you and your luggage.

I sent Greg some of the photos. With him having aviation in his family this would have been a great moment of impact and story telling to be the one to go look. But then at the same time, he was forming the next step. I never asked what it was as I was emotionally and physically tired.

We will protect the pieces and hope to hold them in a display. Obviously this will be harder for the loved ones that step into the scene carrying many different emotions and memories.
Now we are reforming a plan to fund.
Are you willing to help?

As always we are asking for you to like and comment and go to our Flight629memorial.org page with the link or GoFundMe under Flight 629 Memorial to donate.

On the website is an address to mail a check if you prefer. Any amount matters. As always I believe we are hosted on the original land and “WE WILL” get the funds.

Those who pray keep praying as the team perseveres.

08/07/2026

This post, I am focusing on a local residence in Mead. Her name is Doris Smith Sanford. A lovely woman who was married to a man named Mike. They shared history as they knew each other since Jr High.
Their grandparents lived down the street and were neighbors of each other. I love small towns.

They were “Eye Witnesses,” on the night of November 1, 1955.
Mike was driving his girlfriend, Doris back to Denver after visiting his parents in Lyons. They saw the beacon flashing of the plane, the white explosion and a smaller one she stated. Her boyfriend knew that it was a plane immediately. They pulled off to the side of the road for a while and just stared at it. When they got home they turned on the news. They were shocked, even though they saw what happened.
As the week went by, Mike was there to help with the pieces and saw more of the wreckage.
Prior to the explosion of Flight 629. He entered In 1954 the Air Force Reserve for 6 years. He was a year in prior to our tragedy. Over time he was educated in many areas, which has been helpful to this story.

He also was asked a month or so prior to 629 tragedy regarding a
Trip in October. Mike was to fly into Salt Lake City, Utah. Mike had a request from a well-known big shot Colonel in the Air Force that asked for Mike in another area.

Obviously, that request saved Mikes life as it removed him from getting on the plane of the Medicine Bow disaster.

This means he would’ve been on the United flight 409, that had 68 passengers and three crew that died by hitting the Medicine Bow range.

This was also a deadly United flight that was not United’s fault and a DC - 6B. This was pilot error. The plane had taken off 83 minutes late.
The pilot was trying to make up time and did not know the height or what was in front of him on a foggy low flying night. The plane always flew the route to Laramie before going up to Salt Lake City. He was flying NFRvisually and had no clue the mountain was 10,847 ft high.

Today the Medicine Bow site has a plaque on the side of the mountain. It is Federally protected. It is not easy to access.

Many of the passengers on the plane were friends of Mike and Doris. They were on a National Guard assignment. What a tragedy for these men, as they lost their life on the way to serve! We acknowledge the families loss.

In a future story I will tell you about a man who helped in the investigation of Medicine Bow and also helped us with Flight 629 Memorial.

This is such an everyday story in so many ways of life in what is now in the Frederick, Firestone, Mead area. Mike also worked for the state highway department for 39 years. He would come across luggage and other plane piece off the ditches and roads in the side fields. They didn’t hold value back then as they do now as we are lacking pieces of Flight 629. These historical parts were sacked and sent off to Denver overtime. If only we had some of those pieces at this point after the two buckets that disappeared from a local city that Stanford’s lived in over the years.

As I sat in Doris’s kitchen last spring with Martha Hopp, who is friends with her, we talked regarding her many losses of two children. One daughter who died at 27 who was named Jodi and was on life-support. A son who died in a car crash.

She currently has a son who lives in Grand Junction, who has a son. This grandson checks in on her on a regular basis. A daughter who works nearby.
You could tell she loves well. As a widow, she had to pick up the pieces of the life where they lived and take care of animals and other circumstances around her when Mike died in 2020.

Because it’s such a small town, the grandparents lived next-door to each other. No wonder they knew each other and dated since junior high.
These are the people that I adore in this area of Mead and the surrounding areas. Widowhood is not an easy adjustment nor an easy walk when not supported. She has many who love her!
Doris is so easy to be around and a joy to talk to. We laughed a lot, as we kept each other on the phone till 10:30 in a recent night talking about her story, 629, politics and loss as a widow.
Finally late into the night, she looked down and realized her cats needed to be fed. I realized I never had dinner. So we said goodbye! What a great talks I have had with her. I hope you get to meet her someday she is a treasure! She sometimes frequents Our Linda’s donut shop in Dacona.
Thank you for sharing history of your family Doris. Your ups and downs, how it took you several years before you could watch firecrackers on the 4th ofJuly after seeing the explosion of the plane. And even now you find joy as you can still laugh about life.

As always, we would appreciate it if you would comment, like, share, and if you can find it in your heart to donate, Flight629Memorial we would appreciate it. Direct link on
Flight629Memorial.org

On the website, we also have a place that you can see how to sign up to help us by sponsoring 629 in King Soopers so we get a percentage that helps with our monthly bills. We appreciate that also.

07/26/2026

Our treasurer, Martha Hopp received a request for Flight 629 to come to Grace Pointe Senior Care
Community and (Physical Rehab) in Greeley. They wanted a presentation as the residence love to hear about Colorado history!

Becky just happened to be admitted there for 2 weeks of recovery after she took a hard fall. She had surgery and received a new hip. What a way to spend the summer! It opened up the opportunity for a presentation.
She told all that came to her room about the project to get Flight 629 Memorial funded.

Linda set up a afternoon on July 20th to give our presentation. As she connect to the internet Becky took the microphone and started to talk to the 50 residence and staff about the night of November 1, 1955. Some knew about the tragedy of the 44 people who lost their life and many had never heard this story!

Starting with the story of Conrad Hopp and Martha as they climbed into a 2 ton work truck with Conrad Sr. to look for survivors. Quickly realizing there were none.

She also shared a bit of history about Clayton Bearly and the assistance Johnson’s Corner gave that night.
And other stories which we have shared here.

Linda started her slide show talking about the 1st terrorist attack on American soil. A man used an airplane to take lives of innocent people and United employees right here in Colorado. Her knowledge was vast and she did a great job with many facts and interesting photos, newspapers, including Life magazine.

Linda spoke of many parts of that cold night. What transpired weeks after and leading up to the trial and laws that came out of this sad night.

She ended as she shared our location of the future site in Firestone as the Fire Station no. 6 who would be hosting the future memorial. We will honor the families and specifically the 1st responders.

The residence all enjoyed the time learning Colorado history 70 years later.

We are grateful and willing to tell the story to any groups in the area.

Below are just a few photos.also our website @ Flight629memorial.org

Please Like, Share and Comment and consider donating to Flight 629 Memorial @ Go Fund Me
Thank you!

Grace Pointe Senior Care Community

07/12/2026

The Flight 629 planned Memorial has several purposes.
First, to remember the 44 lost souls. Due to laws at the time, only Daisie King received justice with the first degree murder conviction of her son's actions against her.
Second, to acknowledge the significance and impact on Aviation safety and history. Laws were created, investigative techniques developed, media privileges for court increased.
Third, to honor the first responders; volunteer fireman, police, officials, AND citizens/farmers who helped find, protect and gather the victims.
These citizens were not trained. This tragedy left a scar on their heart, a terrible memory to live with. But, the beautiful side of this is the way they all came together. All the nearby cities and towns came to help. Platteville, Mead, Longmont, Tri-Towns, Fort Lupton and Greeley.
In a conversation today with a 95 yr old lady, I asked, what is the best thing you remember in your life? Her response...
In the 1930s during the depression and dust storms, even as people struggled, the community worked together. They helped one another. If there was a school play or event, the whole town went. She said she was glad she lived in a time to experience that. Now, people may not even know their neighbor.
THIS, this is a part of the 629 tragedy we want to remember and keep alive.
We invite you to donate to our mission. Www.flight629memorial.org. Thank you.

07/12/2026

“The land of the debris field of the early years regarding United Flight 629 Mainliner.”

Advancement, street changes, growth and environments affected the land area.
Today we will go back to the history of the land. Many hear the details of the plane sabotage on November 1st, 1955 but there was more to it. I spent time with several people to wrap my thoughts around a partial account of changes over the years for those who now live in the region or will visit in years to come.
It is important to know that this land we call Colorado when researched was the traditional homelands of the indigenous people since time immemorial in 51 territories. Think about that in this day and age. We forget this simple truth of History as we walk in as citizens in America! *History Colorado

The many fields in southern Weld County that I travel is the area from Highway 85 off of Platteville, down 66 to Longmont. I hear stories of produce that was harvested, dairy farms flourished and both turned into product sold. While other residents worked in the Coal Mine.
Martha Borgmann’s family lived on the south side of the tragedy under the in air explosion. Her family had a Dairy farm and were known for their milk products which Martha said were taken to Johnstown Borgmann Dairy to be processed. Her family experienced some of the first dropping of plane parts from the sky around their farm and saw the first pieces of the explosion on Road 13. In fact, during the 69th celebration Martha looked at me and pointed up and then out the east church window and said the plane flew over this area and a large piece laid on the north side down Colorado Blvd. My eye I know widened at how close the church was in the path of the plane.

Many in this area do not know, the land where the majority of the pieces fell, the Conrad Hopp family worked this 160 acres of farm land for 27 years. The land which held precious people never memorialized the 44. Sadly not even 70 years later. I say yet! The land suffered the trauma as the crops struggled to bounce back the following harvest season. The residue of chemicals and trauma laid on the land the previous year. They could see the outline of what they remembered from that night. Deep craters from the impact of debris had been plowed out. The oldest book in time says, “Even the rocks cry out.” So it seems! That’s powerful that the living substance of the land speaks. Also the cattle were getting sick from eating pieces of the plane wreckage. One died and the autopsy found a plane part inside. We were surprised as Conrad said that United Airlines reimbursed the owner for the animal.
Beside United Airline’s helping the night of several days following they did nothing for the 39 victims, even to this day. Again Weld County had been ignored by the state of Colorado as a national event. The first terrorist Attack in America. Right here. How long will this event be ignored especially in Colorado?

The first drivers on the road remember the debris of the explosion, mail and fabrics and tableware, trays on the street outside their door all over the road as did the other neighbors on Rd 11 and Rd 13.

Conrad mentioned all of the different crops they grew. Alfalfa took the nitrogen out of the land and planting corn returned it. They also planted red beets.They grew cucumbers for pickles that Conrad said they picked every other day as young boys. He did not sound fond of the task as a young boy. But all family worked. The Cucumbers were driven to the Kuners-Empson Cannery in Longmont on the southwest corner of Third Avenue and Martin Street, which is now the Cannery Apartments to be jarred as pickles.
It is important for our health and well being to care for our land and recognize those that previously have cared for their portion past and present. Interesting now that we hear of toxic pesticides we digest in the news or online..

This area was Rural Mead and Unincorporated Longmont at the time. It is now Firestone CO. Surrounded by many small towns. Hard working people, farmers, miners and generations continued on and have lived in this area.
We now look at it as fact that the actual explosion of the United Flight 629 area was strewn around 6 sq. miles in this part of Weld County Community in Colorado. Imagine trying to visually comprehend the plane parts and contents scattered on the fields and roads where minutes earlier these were all inside of a United commercial airline where luggage was stored and people seated awaiting their food and drink served on real dishes back then.

Finding our footing of the crash site:
NORTH: Hwy 66, parts of which was known as road 30.
WEST: The main route north and south: What Conrad said with a grin, was known as Bootlegger Hwy. On maps now I-25, which was originally called Washington Hwy, that went all the way into Denver to the end of Washington St. Moving closer east to the crash site of the plane was Road 11. This was the Hopp’s home - Now called Barefoot Lakes Parkway. This corner is planned to become Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District No.6. A block North, the memorial is planned to sit on Bluestem Lane.
SOUTH: Was in 2025 renamed Ronald Reagan Boulevard. This was Road 28. Where the fire trucks will be entering the road when called to an emergency.
EAST: Road 13 was renamed near the site, Colorado Boulevard.
Streets that ran North & South were odd numbers and East & West were even. That’s how you found your way around the rural area.

FFFD will be a significant part of healing of this area! We are so thrilled to meet this entity that serves so well! Recently several assisting the wildfires in Colorado.

This was the Mead area back in 1955. This area of farm land has provided for generations, not only nutrition of crops, jobs and income but a place to live where family gathered and friendship between neighbors were a place of support in this community. And we hear stories of this happening in the Firestone & Frederick area. Where new friendships are formed and old ones stick together through changes. New neighbors are meeting their people in community.

Currently Barefoot lakes area sits with fewer fields and more homes being built near the Flight 629 crash site. But on the brightest side, this area will soon be blessed, as currently FFFD, Frederick Firestone Fire District is starting preparation to break ground for the new Fire Station no. 6 this fall of 2026 to 2027. They will continue to care and protect this area! Remembering the motto of this fire district. Fire Chief Young speaks their motto. “Leading Together by Serving Together.” The night of the crash, the area communities came together in what was at the time the largest collaboration of citizens, cities/towns, officials and first responders. The planned 629 Memorial fits perfectly into a positive transformation to this land that will serve and care for this Firestone community along with the other 5 existing Fire Stations. With open hearts they represent healing for others and support for all first responders. FFFD recognizes the impact of the 1955 sabotage by hosting the Flight 629 Memorial as they turn tragedy into tribute,with this Historic Memorial. They will open the way where grief will find comfort, and to remember to keep honoring your neighbor as yourself.

Please like, share and donate at our Go Fund Me under Flight 629 Memorial.or go to Flight629Memorial.org to find the link.

Contributor's to this piece: Martha and Conrad Hopp and Kris Scott of DAR in Carbon Valley Area. Written by Becky Tesone. Advisor to Flight 629 Memorial. Editing Linda Allour, President.

Interested in volunteering or applying for our Board please message us.

07/04/2026

In the midst of a beautiful celebration of America,I wanted to remember those who are missing that special family member this July 4th weekend. .
The most patriotic time in this last year for me was the 70th Memorial for United Flight 629. Mike Hesse of the Denver Police Museum put on such a honoring ceremony that I wanted to recognize this time as we reflect and celebrate 150 years for Colorado and 250 years for America.
God Bless you and stay safe!
Happy July 4th celebrations!
Remember the 44 families!

Police Museum

Flight 629 Memorial

06/24/2026

Why were we forgotton? Wise words that impacted me from Martha Hopp.

Today, this post is about two people whom I frankly adore! The board have sat with this couple and listened to the details and facts, hard stories, as we honor their journey. If I mention their name at a meeting or in conversation, people nod. Many say I know of them or I have met them. I can barely scratch the surface to describe their kind hearts and beautiful depth of these two individuals who hold separately, and together an interesting life. I am speaking of the Hopp’s. Martha & Conrad Hopp! They have a strength and a bond that is not easy to come across, but by unique tragedy and helping others. Same goes with their entire family who serve many in this community to this day. I see true family!

Recently, there was a need for me to talk with them and to gather Martha and Conrad’s story for an important piece that was recorded to be used as a historic piece. Pen and paper in hand, I focused on them. I asked the timeline of details on the night of the event as eye witnesses regarding United Flight 629 on 11/1/55. It was then I realized both went from eye witness’s to the first citizen responders that night. Conrad’s Family property was truly the closest among several other farms in Unincorporated Longmont. Being on the fringe of this tragedy as plane pieces and 40 out of 44 victims landed in their family backyard fields. Their newly harvested crop fields was brought in earlier that evening! Truly God’s kindness showed as they put away their farming equipment and the crops were in for the season. Their were many farmers in the dirt in Weld County that day closing out their harvest of sugar beets.

Later the community stepped outside the door after 7:01 because of the impact and bright light that shook the windows in their homes from what was determined later was a dynamite explosion. The penetrating white light entered uninvited. We are told by Conrad that this white light was very different. It entered their kitchen as they were eating supper. They got up and went out the door. Standing observing as the family took in what had transpired quickly.
The older brothers, realized they needed to do something immediately. Conrad and his brother drove to the edge of the irrigation ditch to the north where they saw the fire. They could drive no farther looking over the fence at the Heil’s farm watching the cockpit and the engines burn. Conrad’s brother Kenneth stayed and Conrad went to fetch coats for that cold night but never returned as the next step needed to happen. The brothers did not see each other for days after.

So much happened at once. Watching the plane pieces burning and falling out of the sky that night, to those trained that arrived to help as 1st citizen responders. Then authorities were called on a party line. They rushed in on a emergency call from around the surrounding towns as 1st Responders. "They say 400 showed up that night and many were turned away". says, Phil Bearly. He was 5 in the back of the family car with his 2 siblings and his mother seeing horrifying things.. His dad Clayton of Johnsons Corner, was given authority and a fire arm by the state patrol to turn people away as traffic and people flowed in. “People were overwhelmed with the sight of the spot fires and minor explosion,” says Rick Tittle.

When Martha Borgmann whom was 16, (future wife to Conrad Hopp) was dropped off by her father. They left their dairy farm and forged their way through the road with contents of the plane, food trays, etc. She climbed into Connie’s large farm truck, with Conrad Sr. driving and looked for the victims. Thinking how to identified for the authorities as they started to circles around the bodies with the truck so they would be seen. It was their answer to, what do we do?
They were instrumental in caring for families members they did not know that perished, so that later they could be covered. Conrad drove Marty home after 6 hrs at 2 am as she had class the next day. He hit a snag trying to get back home due to security being tight. It did not stop him. He continued to work for days, never seeing his brother or family during that time. Noting, United airlines brought in blankets later that night to cover the victims. Neighboring residence, brought in quilts and blankets, along with flashlights and food for the workers along with Phil’s dad from Johnsons Corner. A helicopter bringing light.

The Hopp’s saw immediately the horror as did other neighbors. They as many others who entered the field took in this emotional stress as their eyes saw more that night then any of us will ever see other than, 1st Responder or War Veterans. But this was their actual home field with 40 out of 44 bodies on it. Yet they do not complain about it but share just enough when asked.

The ENDING of my interview with Martha is what gets me as I listened to Martha Hopp finish her story.

She said, “They brought in ambulances and station wagons to remove the individually wrapped bodies up to the Greeley Armory to be identified by the FBI, Then for days the investigators that came in and recorded and marked the plane pieces on the first land grid system developed by the FBI. Later in the week the cranes entered onto the land and loaded the flatbeds to move the Mainliner down to Denver to Stapleton Airfield hanger to be reassembled to understand what had happened.
After that they completed the removal of all the pieces they wanted, they left the area. This farm land bore the tragedy for years as they had to fix the land to plant again. Where was government assistant or local authorities? Politicians? Crops did not grow year the next year where the bodies had been. But this family pushed through time adn again for years!

The news moved away from the field in Weld County and the people. The headlines tuned a quick page to who would do this? Details took shape about the man and how the FBI figured out who had done this act of terror for financial gain. Killing his mother and 43 others while he sat in the coffee shop at Stapleton Airfield waiting for the news with his small family. Discoveries were made of how he planned and pulled it off. Then at the same time, the fight to change the laws to get the press into the court room. Details continued to make the headlines and the trial, and then later the ex*****on. All important parts for sure.
(*See facts on our website at Flight629memorial.org)

THEN THIS…
Martha Hopp said, looking me in the eye in a strong voice!
“NO ONE, NO ONE EVER CHECKED ON THIS WELD COUNTY COMMUNITY AGAIN! WE WERE FORGOTTEN!!”
The state forgot the people who took in this tragedy and no one helped them work through this traumatic history!

COLORADO YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD THIS STORY enough times IN THE PAPERS, VIDEOS AND CERTAINLY was never spoken in the HISTORY BOOKS in schools over the last 70 years!

Colorado you have forgotten a large piece of history in our state. Please watch videos or read up on how this first terrorist attack using a plane changed laws. This was way before the 911 story that made a way legally for 911.

These traumatized CITIZENS were never checked on!
It became and still is about the MAN, the TRIAL, the INVESTIGATION, the MEDIA law in Denver. Where were or are the area politicians to care for these people? Where is their MEMORIAL in Weld County? Why are people so unaware and unattached when all of the later tragedies got memorials. In the pizza place, several schools tragedy and the theatre.
Now the Flight 629 is educating others in this state. THIS IS YOUR TRAGEDY COLORADANS!
Please read up on other stories on the FB, Flight 629 Memorial page or Utube, Denver 7.

We do thank the media who have participates in this ongoing story until we get this funded, and citizens that care and work on getting this projects shared and funded. Please share like and donate on our website. WE HAVE THE LAND WE NEED THE FUNDS! Flight629Memorial.org

Flight 629 Memorial

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