 "Photo: File Photo")
The annual memorial service to honor the 75 victims of the 1970 Marshall University plane crash will take place noon Saturday on the Memorial Student Center Plaza.
Saturday marks the 39th anniversary of the crash, which happened as the plane was returning to Tri-State Airport on Nov. 14, 1970. Victims include Marshall football players, coaches, staff, supporters and crew members.
The keynote speaker for the event is Joe Gillette, a 1973 Marshall graduate. Gillette was a freshman on the 1969 football team, but an injury prevented him from playing in the 1970 season. Gillette is currently president of the Society of Yeager Scholars board of directors and vice president of the Foundation board of governors.
Keith Morehouse, sports director at WSAZ-3, said the ceremony is a nice gesture.
“The ceremony is a bridge to current students who weren’t born when the plane crashed,” said Morehouse, whose father, Gene, died in the plane crash.
Other speakers at the service include Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp, Marshall Alumni Association President Nancy Campbell, Student Body Vice President Lashawna Simpson, Director of Marshall’s Center for African American Students Programs Maurice Cooley, Student Body President Sean Hornbuckle and Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick.
“I’m honored to be a part of this ceremony,” Hamrick said. “It’s something I will always remember.”
Hamrick, a Marshall graduate, said he thinks the plane crash is something that connects all Marshall community members.
“These were young people whose lives were taken away at such a young age and so early,” Hamrick said of the victims.
Hamrick said he keeps a picture of Athletic Director Charlie Kautz, who also died in the crash.
“I see that picture every day,” Hamrick said. “Every time I look at it, I think here’s a guy who died doing what he loved—working for Marshall University.”
Morehouse said the ceremony has a healing effect for the family members of the victims.
“I think it helps to see people who have also been through this tragedy,” Morehouse said. “Even 39 years later, it’s still a tremendous part of Marshall University.”
At the conclusion of the service, a wreath will be placed at the fountain. After the laying of the wreath, the fountain will be silenced and remain this way until spring.
“These 75 people were the true heroes of Marshall University,” Hamrick said. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice and because of that they should always be remembered.”
Kerissa Bennett can be contacted at Bennett120@marshall.edu.
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