It was a day that changed the Mid-Ohio Valley forever, April 27, 1978. Sunday nearly sixty people honored men who lost their lives at the Pleasants Power Station 30 years ago.

Friends and family members of the victims gathered alongside dozens of community members at the memorial site across from West Virginia 2 where 30 years ago a tragic accident took 51 lives during whats come to be known as the Willow Island Disaster.

The names of the fallen were read aloud, along with a passage of scripture, and a moment of silence to remember the men who died when the scaffolding collapsed.

"And it was a day like today. I mean I just remember the blue skies and the clouds and when you told me that he had fallen that it was almost like that day, it was like the heavens were perfect and I knew where he was at," said Nettie Smith, daughter of Larry Gale Steele, one of the victims.

"We got on the ground and prayed for all the family members. I remember that but I don't remember a lot of other things," said Barbara Mayfield, widow of Larry Gale Steele. She also lost other relatives in the disaster.

The collapse received national attention. Even the History Channel has a special section devoted to remembering that fateful day.

To view it, follow the direct link below.