Photo bombing.

While at the ceremony for the plane crash last thursday, I noticed a plethora of photographers that were not associated with any type of media.
Photography is becoming a problem.
People assume because they have a "professional" camera means they can go wherever, whenever and take photos.
However, this is not true.
It's distracting enough having four or five photographers running around from actual papers, taking photos for their jobs.
Then you add about 15 more photographers jumping into shots and walking in front of people there to remember those lost, and you have utter chaos.
How disrespectful were those who ran around during a moment of silence, or in the middle of someones speech?
Marshall needs to work on keeping better control somehow of only allowing media to be taking photos during ceremonies during events, especially one as important as this one, so it doesn't look like a rodeo.
One of the football players even commented that while they were watching the lifestream their view was obstructed by the mass amount of photographers gathering around the fountain to shoot those placing the roses.
It was a bit out of control. It's sad that people lack enough common sense to realize how inappropriate that was.

Does time stand still?

A famous quote associated with the plane crash of Nov. 1970 is "time stands still." 

Does it?

43 years later, our community still comes together to honor those perished. 

However, on the campus of Marshall University that was so affected by the crash 43 years ago, classes still go on. Shops are still open on campus and around campus.

Why can't our town stand still for one day?

Would it hurt businesses so much to take part in remembering for one day by shutting down business.

What if our town actually stood still?

Professor's not from around the area have a small idea of why we do what we do on Nov. 14 every year. They won't cancel class. They won't take a moment of silence.

It wouldn't be difficult for our student body to come together and show Marshall that we want to truly stand still.

Why is the ceremony not a university excused absence?

Marshall University needs to stand still on this day.

Maybe next year, if enough students come tougher with this same passion we can truly be a town where time stands still.

11.14.13. Never forget.

"Never forget," two words that will never ring more true for Huntington, W.Va. 
After the plane crash of Nov. 14, 1970, the town of Huntington has stuck together as a community, growing closer as every year passes.
Those not from the area, those without connections to the crash, may wonder why our town still holds strong to the memory of that day 43 years ago.
However, that is what makes us who we are. The fact more than four decades later we still come together, honoring those lost entirely too soon, is what makes our town so special.
We don't hold to the memory of the crash to make us something special. We hold to the knowledge that if this were to happen today, the community would be behind each and every one of us, 100%.
Seeing the hundreds of people come out to Marshall University's campus on the 43rd anniversary of the crash was an amazing sight. 
This years memorial service had one of the largest attendance's in years, proving that we are still a close-knit community.
Seeing family, friends and loved ones of those perished brought tears to the eyes of many who aren't old enough to even know anyone who died in the crash.
However, holding on to the memories is what makes us who we are.
The bond the people of Huntington hold is a bond more special than most towns have.
For me, tears were brought to my eyes thinking of losing one of my own fellow editors. Tears came as I looked at the Parthenon we created to dedicate to the Parthenon of Nov. 18, 1970.
I can't imagine this happening today. Losing people that I cross paths with every day, losing a parent or sibling.
I can't begin to fathom what those who went to Marshall University, or those who lived in the town of Huntington in 1970 felt like 43 years ago today, but it's a wonderful feeling to be able to know that I live in a town that always stands strong together. I'm proud to be a daughter of Marshall. Proud to be a member of this community.
Never forget.