As many recalled, Tuesday, May 24th, was the 24 year anniversary of the bombing at First Assembly of God Church in Danville on North Walnut. It happened on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, and became national news over the holiday.
No one lost their life, but one of those injured was Nicole Van Hyfte, 14 years old at the time. Today, Nicole is known as one of Danville and Vermilion County’s positive leaders; Chamber Director for Vermilion Advantage, as well as chair of the recent Danville United Way campaign. Nicole says, what happened to her, did shape her, and her approach to life today.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I really think that, because of what happened, is where I’m at today. Going through that showed me the community, and showed me how amazing Vermilion County really is. I’m really blessed to be in the role that I’m in today because I can give back to the community that gave me so much as a young adult.
Five months prior to that, United Methodist Church in Oakwood was bombed, costing Brian Plawer his life. The suspected perpetrator in both bombings took his own life, in a house explosion, just days after the Danville bombing.
