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Respectful
remembrance
Community gathers again to mourn 1970 football team
|
A number of speakers, including Marshall President Dan Angel and President of the Marshall Black Alumni Janis Winkfield, addressed a crowd gathered to remember those who died in the 1970 plane crash. |
by JOSH JONES
reporter
Thirty-one years later, a community continues to unite to remember the horrific event that will forever affect Marshall.
Hundreds of students, faculty, alumni, football players and caring citizens of the community gathered Wednesday to mourn those whom the community lost to the Marshall plane crash of 1970. Wednesday evening marked the 31st anniversary of the memorial plane crash service. The ceremony began with the hymn, "America the Beautiful," sung by the Highlawn Presbyterian Church Choir and was followed by a speech from President Dan Angel.
"Thirty-one years ago tonight, we had a horrific event that has melded this university and community together," Angel said. "It is an indelible part of who we are.
"Ashes to glory is the Marshall story."
Kris Parker, Student Government Association vice president, also took part in the ceremony, sharing a memorable story.
"Even though many college students were not alive in 1970, it still has affected our lives," Parker said.
Spectators also remembered the late Nate Ruffin who recently died of cancer. Ruffin was one of the football players in 1970 but was not aboard the plane. Shante Ruffin, Nate's daughter, took part in the ceremony as she, Jeff Porter, president of the alumni association and Angel presented the laying of the wreath.
Janis Winkfield, president of the Marshall Black Alumni, spoke of the strong motivation Ruffin was and still is to the Marshall community.
"When I look at that fountain everyday, I remember not only the 75 people who died, but also the 76th, Nate," Winkfield said.
She was followed by keynote speaker, Parker Ward Jr., who lost his parents in the crash. He spoke of the accomplishments the university has achieved since 1970.
"Because that night, Huntington will never be the same," Ward said.
After Ward's speech, "Amazing Grace" was sung during the silence of the fountain.
Other speakers on hand were Jasper Black, SGA president, Jimbo Boyd, chief of staff, and Larry Davis, marshall football player and President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.