University Communications
 
 


We Will Never Forget

The year 2011 marked the 41st anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of 75 members of the Marshall University football team, coaches, staff, community members, and crew. As it has done every year since the tragedy, Marshall's Student Government Association conducted a memorial service.

As is traditional, the water in the fountain was stopped during the service, to remain silent until spring.


Please use this site as a starting point to learn more about this important and tragic part of the history of Marshall University.
 
2011 Memorial Service
2010 Memorial Service
2009 Memorial Service
Fountain Rededication in 2008

On April 9, 2008, the memorial fountain was rededicated following repair and renovation. Gov. Joe Manchin III, Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp, surviving family representative Michele Prestera Craig and others spoke during the ceremony, which concluded with the turning on of the fountain for the summer. The fountain is silenced each Nov. 14 during the annual memorial service honoring the victims of the 1970 Marshall plane crash.

During the period January-March 2008, the fountain and its foundation received extensive repairs. Most noticeable is the new granite surface, both inside and out, of the foundation; a copper catch tray for the water to flow into from the fountain; and a higher spray of water, similar to the original output when the fountain was installed in 1972.

Archive Video of Fountain Dedication in 1972
University Libraries' Virtual Museum Exhibit
2008 Memorial Service
2007 Memorial Service
2006 Memorial Service
2005 Memorial Service
Articles/Pictures About the Plane Crash
 

Movie, "We Are Marshall"

The 2006 Warner Bros. picture, "We Are Marshall," told the story of the plane crash and especially the efforts to continue the football program after the crash. Visit the Marshall University website for the movie.

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The Office of University Communications assists members of the news media and the university community with services relating to the public image of Marshall University.

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