CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Marshall University plane crash on November 14, 1970.

“50 years later, we remember the lives lost, the families torn apart, and the community heartbreak following the devastating plane crash that took the lives of 75 sons and daughters of Marshall. I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was a senior in high school and my father was the state’s governor at the time. I—along with many others across West Virginia and the entire country remember feeling overcome with incredible shock and grief. I also remember the strength of Huntington and the way they leaned on each other for support and strength. They are the reason we are able to move forward today and every day following this incredible loss. To the people of Huntington and the Marshall University community: know that we have not forgotten and we will never forget. The pain and loss you feel is something we all bear as a community. At the same time, there is a sense of great optimism and great hope for our future that we continue to see through the community support that has emerged as a way to overcome a tragic occurrence. Together, we are Marshall. 

# # #