MAN — Saturday, February 26, marked the 39th anniversary of the Buffalo Creek Disaster. Area residents and disaster survivors attended a memorial service Fri., Feb. 25, at the Buffalo Creek Memorial Library.

A small turnout attended the service to remember the 126 people who lost their lives when a coal sludge dam, owned by Pittston Coal Company, broke the morning of February 26, 1972. Over 4,000 people were left homeless as millions of gallons of water rushed down the valley through 17 small coal camps along the way taking out everything in its path.

Man High School teacher, Billy Jack Dickerson did a slide presentation depicting the before and after views of the communities of Buffalo Creek. Dickerson did the presentation Friday afternoon at Man High School for students and faculty. The slides were donated to the library by Mrs. JoAnne Hensley.

Members of the community shared memories as the names of those who lost their lives on that dreadful day were read. Gertie Moore read a poem that she had written in honor of the occasion and local author Andrea Fekete read from her book "Waters Run Wild" and did a book signing.

Librarian Elizabeth Tackett hosted the event and refreshments were provided by Moore and her family.