Where do I start. I'll just tell you how it Happened. First off I'm a football junkie.(College,Pro) I love it all.
Especially college ball where your not being paid. The young men pour their heart into the game. Having said all that.
My name is Gary. I'm from San Antonio Texas. And about a year ago or so I watched for the first time the movie
"We are Marshall". And my first thought was, I was 9 years old when that catastrophic event happened. I don't remember that. And although the movie was released in 2006, I guess I never even knew it came out. (i'm not much a movie person).
But after I watched it (the first time) I was absolutely in tears. A football team, A town. I have no idea how you folks
bounced back. So I had to watch it again. And again. And again. And after watching it so many times it started to seem like I was part of Huntington and Marshall University.
So last year (November 14, 2015) I loaded up my truck and I headed out to Huntington. I don't know if it was God, The players or coaches talking to me from above, But I knew I had to be there for the memorial.
My plan was to get there on Friday November 13th. And on Saturday morning visit the cemetery where the 6 unidentified young men were buried. And to see all the Memorial statues as well as see Nate Ruffins final resting place.
And then go to Marshall University for the memorial service.
After the service at Marshall (where Doc Holliday had me in tears) I headed back to my truck and thinking about my long ride ahead of me. I was so focused on the memorial that I didn't even realize that the Herd had a game. And from what I was told It's only the 4th time that the Thundering Herd have played on the day of the anniversary of the tragedy.
So being from Texas I wanted to hang out at the Ohio river to kill some time (It looked so nice in the Movie). So I asked some folks just setting up their Marshall canopy where is the Ohio river? They were getting ready for the game. Anyway They asked me "Where are you from ?" I said San Antonio Texas. And they said " what are you doing here ?" I said that I came for the anniversary. And they asked me if I drove all the way from Texas. And I said yes. And they asked me if I had any ties to Marshall. And I said no. By the time I knew it I met so many people.
I met Keith Morehouse, Mike D'antoni, Ernie Salvator Jr. and countless friends that I still keep in touch with today. My close friend Howard Rose and I are still in touch.
So needless to say the memorial service for me was a life changing event. (And I left so many things out)
But it wasn't about me, It was about a life altering event that changed a School and a town. And I was so honored to be a part of that.
So being 54 years old and a little short of getting my degree (back in the early 80's) from the University of Texas at Arlington, I have made arrangements to finish my degree (Online) at Marshall University. That movie, Your town, Your school has changed my life. I have absolutely no ties to Marshall or West Virginia. But I bonded somehow with the 75 folks that tragically lost their lives so many years ago.
It will take me about a year or so to complete my degree. I'll keep yau'll updated.
One last thing............... GO HERD !!!
Gary I
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