Fifty years is a very long time, and it is a long time to grieve. In an individual’s life, a half century usually encompasses countless milestones, some large and some not so large. There are school years, parties, holidays, vacations, graduations, marriages, children and grandchildren. These are just some of life’s events that make up the “dash” in a person’s lifespan.

This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Nov. 14, 1970, plane crash that took the lives of 75 people, and we naturally have many strong emotions and thoughts as we approach that date. Even though it is sad to reflect on their shortened lives, I can’t help but think about what life would have been like for the 39 students who died that evening. We will never know the life accomplishments and significant careers our students would have had, or all the life events the others on the plane would have experienced.

What would their “dash” have encompassed? Perhaps you have had similar thoughts.

Every year, I say the area around the Memorial Fountain becomes sacred ground as we pay our respects to those lost in 1970. But, this year, it seems even more hallowed as we mark the 50th anniversary. There is a weighty significance to 50 years.  

Generally, we have accepted the tragedy of the event and have, in many ways, come to peace with the pain and loss. But we have not forgotten, nor will we ever forget. Even though we sometimes become melancholy, we continue to be strengthened by the lasting memory. We know the resilience of this community and that this university has triumphed over loss. We have persevered and have grown stronger because of having to deal with such a heartbreaking event. 

This year, the Marshall University community has worked to remember the 75 in a couple of different and special ways. One of those is the addition of banners across the middle of the Huntington campus featuring each person we lost that day. The production of the banners was a labor of love for our staff, who were personally committed to ensuring each flag was treated with respect and reverence. 

We are also adding a chapter to the remembrance of the students who perished in the plane crash. The university is awarding each of those students a posthumous degree and presenting the diplomas to their families. 

Marshall University and the cities of Huntington, Ceredo and Kenova are forever linked through this tragedy. It is part of the fabric of our lives and so it is good to remember. Remembering strengthens us and binds us together. 

As we move farther and farther away from 1970, it is my hope that those who come after us at Marshall University will always remember and honor our 75 Sons and Daughters of Marshall.