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It was my first time attending, and the experience was powerful and emotional. I lost a lot of teammates the night of Nov. 14, 1970, including my best friend, Scottie Reese, who was set to be my best man for my wedding in December.

This interview captures those reflections and the lasting impact of that horrific night. Click this link to read more:

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My personal insights were birthed while writing my two memoirs, November Ever After and its sequel, Marshall Ever After.

The Memorial Fountain Ceremony is held annually to honor the 75 lives lost in the tragic plane crash on November 14, 1970. This somber event serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of that night and the resilience of the Marshall community. 

My experience as the keynote speaker was joyful and memorable for all the right reasons. (Photo by Vic Simpson)

The ceremony brings together students, alumni, friends and families to remember those who perished and to reflect on the enduring legacy of their lives.

During my speech, I spoke about the ugly racial confrontations on November 13, 1970, the day before the crash, including the bloody fights that broke out among students. Larry “The Governor” Brown, one of the players who perished in the crash, played a key role in diffusing the tension. 

Despite his efforts, anger, apprehension, and fear still lingered among Black students.

“I remain fully convinced”

“A lot of us were on edge,” I shared with the audience. “Even now, to this very day, I remain fully convinced that we were on the verge of a full-scale race riot on Marshall’s campus.”

The very next night, life changed forever. Marshall’s plane crashed just short of the airport runway and there were no survivors.

“The gravity of grief is overwhelming,” I said. “We weren’t thinking about the N word, racial bickering, or rebel flags. It was as if the Friday the 13th fights had never happened.

Agents of peace

“Ladies and gentlemen, this was not a Black thing, this was not a white thing – this was a death thing, and death does not discriminate. So, in ways no one could have imagined, the football team from ‘70 really became agents of peace between the races.”

Reflecting on that tragedy, I emphasized its lasting impact, even over half a century later. I recounted the story of two people who, during a job interview in 2004, discovered a shared connection to the crash. One was a Marshall alumna, the other, the best friend of running back Art Harris, one of the 75 victims.

Unity on full display

As I surveyed the crowd from the podium that day, I was struck by the profound sense of togetherness that has emerged from such unimaginable loss. 

This ceremony is more than just a tribute. It is a testament to the strength of the Marshall community, the enduring legacy of those we lost, and the power of remembrance to heal and bring people together.

Even in the face of overwhelming grief, we find comfort in the knowledge that the memory of those who perished continues to inspire and unite us all.

Author’s Note: Quotes in this blog post come from an article published in the Herald-Dispatch daily newspaper in Huntington, West Virginia (November 15, 2023).

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These works chronicle the devastating 1970 Marshall University plane crash, offering a gripping and deeply personal account of the tragedy that claimed the lives of many of Greenlee’s former teammates and coaches.
Discover more about these untold stories and the impact of the crash by checking out this piece in the New York Weekly.

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The Marshall University football team, along with its coaching staff and supporters, had been on that ill-fated chartered jet. The aircraft’s crash into the side of a mountain, followed by a fiery explosion, had extinguished seventy-five vibrant lives in an instant. The shock of the tragedy had left the town of Huntington and the Marshall community in a state of disbelief and profound grief.

As the Field House filled, a palpable sense of stillness and numbness pervaded the air. More than 7,000 people, their faces etched with sorrow, sat in silent solidarity, united in their loss. The usual lively chatter and laughter that preceded events in this venue were absent. Instead, there was a shared, unspoken understanding of the pain each person carried in their heart.

At the podium, Donald Dedmon, the acting president of Marshall, stood before the grieving crowd. His presence brought a solemn yet comforting focus to the gathering. Dedmon was acutely aware of the raw emotions that filled the arena, as the harrowing images from the crash site were still vivid in the minds of those with ties to the school and the city.

In his address, Dedmon acknowledged the overwhelming sorrow that had befallen Marshall and Huntington. Yet, in a caring and empathetic manner, he chose not to dwell on the devastation of the tragedy. Instead, he sought to offer a glimmer of warmth amidst the coldness of grief.

Dedmon began to recount a memory from just a week before the crash, a moment that highlighted the passion and pride of the Marshall football team. He painted a picture of young athletes, full of life and dreams, embodying the spirit of their university and community. 

His words, though tinged with sadness, carried a message of hope and remembrance. In that moment, Dedmon’s speech became a heartwarming tribute to the lives lost, a reminder of the joy they had brought to those around them, and a beacon of resilience for a community determined to honor their memory and rebuild from the ashes of tragedy.

The following passages from the transcript of the speech that Dedmon delivered at the Sunday memorial service reveals so much about the heart and passion of the 1970 team. Here are excerpts from his speech:

“We cannot soon forget that horrible picture framed by the broken pines of a West Virginia hillside. But another picture comes to my mind which I know I shall never forget either—a happy picture. It was the picture of your loved ones and mine, a picture which revealed the best that there is in man.

There in a Fairfield Stadium dressing room a little over a week ago sat Marshall’s players and Marshall’s coaching staff paced the floor. The invitation to speak to our boys greatly honored me and what I saw moved me deeply. Our coaches walked among the benches and had a quiet, private word with each player. I never could have believed that had I not been there, how badly our boys wanted to win that day. Two openly wept, others were ill from the tension.

There were white students and black students, but they all wore the big green. The game marked a signal point in their life. Small in number but incredibly determined in spirit, they meant to win that final home game. And win they did—magnificently! It is that picture I want to begin to recall this evening.

Marshall is better for having had them all!”

Author’s note: In its final home game of the 1970 season, the Thundering Herd rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Kent State 20-17. Excerpts of Dedmon’s speech courtesy of the Herald-Dispatch daily newspaper website (NC).

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Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Why a sequel? Wasn’t the first book enough?” My dear, curious friends, let me tell you – the first book was just the tip of the iceberg! After November Ever After hit the shelves (2011), a treasure trove of new information and even more intriguing stories surfaced. It was like opening Pandora’s box, but instead of unleashing chaos, it unleashed a whirlwind of captivating tales that just had to be shared with the world.

But wait, there’s more! The first part of Marshall Ever After may cover some familiar ground, but don’t you dare think it’s just a rehash! I’ve switched up my writing techniques, folks. Instead of sticking to my journalistic roots, I’ve transformed into a pretty decent storyteller. Now, you’re not just reading about the events; you’re right there in the thick of it, experiencing every thought, every emotion, as if you were a part of the scene. It’s more captivating, more immersive, and trust me, it’ll hook you from the very first page.

So, what can you expect from the rest of Marshall Ever After? Picture this: a deeper dive into the lives of those affected by the tragic 1970 Marshall University plane crash. We’re talking about stories that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, cry, and maybe even do a little happy dance. From the incredible resilience of Delongelo Brown to the touching tale of the Loria family and the monumental 50th anniversary of the crash, this book is packed with emotion, inspiration, and a dash of humor (because we all need a good chuckle now and then).

And let’s not forget the promotional illustration – a bus traveling on the road, symbolizing the journey of healing and moving forward. It’s not just a pretty picture, folks. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, life goes on, and we continue to grow and evolve.

So, dear readers, prepare yourselves for a literary ride like no other. Marshall Ever After is not just a sequel; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s incredible ability to overcome and find hope in the darkest of times. Keep an eye out for its release in the coming weeks, and get ready to add it to your collection. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

Keep reading and keep smiling, and remember – every story has a silver lining. Marshall Ever After is no exception

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As spring 2024 unfolds, it’s not just about blooming flowers and the promise of warmer days. It’s also about revisiting a heart-wrenching, yet incredibly inspiring story that has touched so many hearts.

(Drum roll …) Introducing the fresh-off-the-press, can’t-put-it-down, special edition of November Ever After! This isn’t just some run-of-the-mill reprint; it’s a makeover that’s going to knock your socks off and make you want to dive right back into the pages of this unforgettable memoir.

First off, let’s talk about that new subtitle – Marshall’s triumph over tragedy. It’s like going from a handshake to a bear hug – it grabs you, pulls you in, and doesn’t let go. We’re talking about a title that’s as engaging and intriguing as ever. The end result? This book is just begging to be picked up by anyone who’s ever felt a twinge of curiosity about the tragic Marshall plane crash.

But wait, there’s more! Have you seen the cover? It’s not just a cover; it’s a window into the soul of that fateful night in 1970 when 75 lives were tragically lost. This provocative artwork is bound to catch your eye and stir your emotions, making it impossible to walk past without feeling the pull to learn more about this historic event from a perspective that’s often overlooked.

Rest assured, the core of the original manuscript remains unchanged, with just a sprinkle of tweaks to spice things up. After all, why tamper with something if it’s not broken?

So, if you’re looking for a read that’s equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting, November Ever After is your go-to choice. It’s more than just a memoir; it’s a journey through grief, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that emerge from tragedy.

Get ready to experience a story that’s as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago. Because some stories are timeless, and this special edition is proof that the legacy of the 1970 Marshall plane crash continues to resonate and inspire.

Join me in a verbal toast to never forgetting the power of the human spirit!

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