50th Memorial Fountain Ceremony
Memorial Fountain Ceremony
Saturday, November 14th, 9:00am
Note: Due to safety precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance on the plaza and Buskirk Field is by invitation only, and masks must be worn. Members of the public who want to attend the ceremony are asked to please do so virtually.
Watch Ceremony Share a Memory

Why is Nov. 14 important to Marshall University?

Every Nov. 14, Marshall University’s Memorial Fountain becomes sacred ground, as we come together to pay our respects. It is where every member of the Marshall family wants to be at noon on that date each year—gathered around that graceful monument with friends and our university community.

We may have accepted the tragedy of the event and have, in many ways, come to peace with the pain. But we have not forgotten. Our Marshall family continue to be strengthened by the lasting memory. We recognize that the resilience of this community and this university has triumphed over enormous loss. We have persevered together and have grown stronger because of it.

This yearly ritual, in part, defines our university. The ceremony reminds us, strengthens us and binds us together in love—the love of our lost family members, friends and colleagues; the love of each other; and the love of Marshall University.

And, at the end of the ceremony, we share a great sense of pride as we sing our Alma Mater together, and reflect on the metaphor of her light shining over dark waters. We are united as a Marshall family each Nov. 14 and always.

Jerome Gilbert
President, Marshall University

50th Anniversary Events Information

Recorded Livestreams

Photo Galleries

Documents

Historical Newspapers Clippings, Videos and Documents

Events

Nov
10
11AM
Rededication of Marshall Football Memorial sculpture
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions and a larger-than-anticipated response, this ceremony will now be presented online only.
View Livestream
Nov
13
4PM
Posthumous Degree Ceremony
Each student who perished in the crash will be honored with a posthumous degree in their program of study.
Note: Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions on event capacity and seating regulations, this event is by invitation only to family members and masks are required. Members of the public who want to attend the ceremony are asked to do so virtually.
View Livestream
Nov
13
5PM
Dr. Lawrence B. and Shirley Gang Memorial Lecture
Note: Please follow HMA social media platforms for updates on this event, which may be presented virtually.
Huntington Museum of Art
Event Info
Nov
14
9AM
Annual Memorial Fountain Ceremony
Note: Due to safety precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, seating on the plaza is by invitation only. Members of the public who want to attend the ceremony are asked to do so virtually.
Memorial Student Center Plaza
View Livestream
Nov
14
NOON
Football Game vs Middle Tennessee
Joan C. Edwards Stadium
Game Info
Sep
19
Exhibit: Rising, Renewing, Reaching: Harry Bertoia and the Marshall University Memorial Fountain
Note: This exhibit will run from September 10 through January 3, 2021.
Huntington Museum of Art
Event Info
The Fountain Ceremony

Every year, the Marshall Family gathers around our Memorial Fountain to honor the 75 people lost in the November 14, 1970 plane crash. The 50th anniversary celebration will commemorate these men and women who have left an everlasting mark in the hearts of a school, a community and a nation.

Previous Livestreams
Photo Galleries