Banner Staff Report

MAN — A stretch of highway near the community of Man has been renamed in honor of those who lost their lives in a major disaster.

On Sunday, August 9, 2009 residents of Buffalo Creek, along with local and state officials met at the Buffalo Creek Memorial site at Kistler, WV for a dedication ceremony renaming the Buffalo Creek Road the Buffalo Creek Memorial Highway in honor of those who died in the epic flood on February 26, 1972.

West Virginia lawmakers Dr. Ron Stollings along with Delegates Greg Butcher, Josh Stowers and Jeff Eldridge, Logan County Commission President Art Kirdendoll and Man Mayor Jim Blevins were on hand to participate in the ceremony.

Rev. Mike Pollard gave the invocation and opening prayer, followed by the singing of "Amazing Grace" by the Becco Children's Choir. Gertie Moore then spoke of Buffalo Creek before the flood, Ginger Gail Baker spoke of Buffalo Creek during the flood followed by Glenna Wiley who spoke of the communities after the flood. Names of the victims of the flood were read by Gertie Moore, Uhel Adkins and Gerald Slone. Delegate Greg Buther read the resolution renaming the highway and introduced local officials President of the Logan County Commission Art Kirkindoll and Mayor Jim Blevins who spoke about the importance of the renaming of the highway to the community.

Stollings, Stowers and Eldridge spoke of the passage of the resolution by the State Legislature and Delegate Butcher presented Elizabeth Tackett, director of the Buffalo Creek Memorial Library with a copy of the resolution to be placed on display at the library.

Gertie Moore and Glenna Wiley, who are very active in keeping the history of Buffalo Creek and the memory of those who lost their lives in the disaster alive, were presented with replicas of the sign by Delegates Jeff Eldridge and Josh Stowers.

Becco Children's Choir closed the ceremony by singing "Jesus Loves Me". The crowd cheered as the signs were unveiled by Delegates Josh Stowers, Jeff Eldridge and Senator Ron Stollings.

Refreshments were served as survivors and members of the community shared memories of the past 37 years. Over 75 people were on hand for the ceremony.