Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University to host annual Fountain Ceremony
11/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Big Green Scholarship Foundation
Nov. 11, 2015
Huntington, W. Va. -- The year 2015 will mark the 45th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of 75 members of the Marshall University football team, coaches, staff, community members, and crew. Marshall's Student Government Association will conduct a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, on the Memorial Student Center plaza in front of the fountain.
As is traditional, the water in the fountain will be stopped during the service, to remain off until spring. Stephan Ward, son of Parker Ward, is this year's ceremony speaker. Stephen Ward was 5 years old when the Marshall plane crash occurred.
Parker Ward was just 36 when he lost his life in the accident. He owned Hez Ward Buick in Huntington. "I am so honored to represent the families associated with the tragedy," Ward said. "The love I feel for Marshall University and the city of Huntington cannot be measured. Remembering the 75 we lost on Nov. 14, 1970, is a special day for all of us. Thank you, Marshall University, for keeping their spirit alive." Following the ceremony, Marshall football takes on FIU at 3:30 for a game dedicated to the 1970 team. Marshall football players will be wearing special black uniforms for the occasion.
"They all said they wanted to wear the jerseys on this Saturday so they could pay tribute and honor the 75 people lost in the crash," said Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick. "It made me feel really good that those kids are tuned in to the history and tradition here of what happened back then."
"That tragedy is the fabric of what this university is," Hamrick told the team. "Once you guys graduate from here, you'll be part of that fabric and part of that family forever.
"For the rest of your life, you only have one university and that is Marshall University."
