 "Photo: Rick Haye")
The mood was somber Monday afternoon as the Memorial Fountain was silenced to remember the victims of the 1970 plane crash.
Hundreds gathered in the Memorial Student Center plaza for the 35th anniversary of the tragic event.
The keynote speaker for the event was Frank Loria, Jr., son of offensive coordinator Frank Loria, Sr., one of the 75 who perished in the crash.
"The sadness of that day will never go away," he said. "But, it keeps us grounded."
The Student Government Association honors the victims each year by organizing the event. The plane crash is widely regarded as the worst disaster in sports history.
Loria's father was only 23 years old when he perished on the DC-9 during the team's return flight from that day's game with East Carolina University.
"I hope that you feel a connection," Loria said to students. "I hope that you feel proud to be a part of the Marshall community."
Coach Loria was a two-time All-American defensive back at Virginia Tech before coaching at Marshall. Frank, Jr., was not born at the time of the crash.
"When I hear the chant 'We Are…Marshall,' it gives me chills," Loria said. "Isn't that what we're all about, overcoming adversity."
Gov. Joe Manchin, Marshall University President Stephen Kopp, current Head Coach Mark Snyder and current team captain Jeff Mullins also spoke at the event. Student Body President Michael Misiti welcomed the crowd and introduced the speakers.
"I'm very pleased with the turnout," Misiti said. "To see this many people out here really speaks volumes about our entire community."
Most of the football team was in attendance for the ceremony.
Junior quarterback Jimmy Skinner heard stories about the plane crash growing up from his grandparents, who lived in Huntington in 1970.
"It was good for the community to see us out here," he said.
Coach Snyder and Misiti unveiled the design of a decal for the team to wear on their helmets during Saturday's East Carolina game.
"We wanted to have the fountain in it and keep it simple," Colleen Talley, SGA Athletic Liaison, said.
After Coach Snyder and Misiti place a wreath by the fountain and student Lora Ann Dalton sang "Amazing Grace," the fountain was turned off and the crowd bowed their heads in silence.
SGA sponsored a reception for guests in the Shawkey Dining Room following the ceremony.
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