[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17829]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARSHALL UNIVERSITY PLANE 
                             CRASH TRAGEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2010

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, on November 14, 1970, a plane carrying 75 
Marshall University football players, their coaches, faithful 
supporters and friends crashed while attempting to land in Huntington, 
WV. On that cold, rain-filled and foggy night so many promising futures 
came to a sudden and tragic end.
  On the night of this tragedy--known as the worst air disaster in 
American sports history, an entire community, our State and frankly our 
Nation were one in grief, but also one in believing that--from 
adversity--hope, growth and success can conquer all in the end.
  In the forty years since these souls were taken from those they loved 
and who loved them, the Marshall community--friends and strangers, 
colleagues and competitors, icons and unknowns--have bonded together in 
hearts and minds.
  On every anniversary of this tragedy we reflect on the tremendous 
loss, yet it is also a moment that renews promises and purpose and 
stirs hope in the human spirit.
  In the words of Marshall University Alumni Association President 
William ``Mickey'' Jackson, a former Marshall Football player and 
assistant coach for the team in 1970, who was on a scouting trip and 
not with the team the night of the crash, ``It is very inspirational to 
remember, but very, very sad at the same time. When they place the 
wreath at the fountain and the water stops, my heart just stops 
beating.''
  The themes of hope and rebirth are carried forward every year at 
Marshall University, beginning with turning on one simple, yet so 
symbolic fountain.
  What has been learned from this tragic experience extends beyond 
those early hours of shock and disbelief. Two generations have been 
raised by the incredible power of the Marshall spirit--a strength, 
vitality, camaraderie and resolve that is reflected time and again. And 
as the story spreads, others receive solace and inspiration.
  And today, we are stronger because of it--for, we are Marshall.

                          ____________________