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Updated: 11:46 PM Apr 25, 2010
Memorial Service for Upper Big Branch Miners Offers Support and Inspiration
Words of inspiration, hope and promises to keep every miner safe was the focus of a memorial service to honor the 29 men killed and two injured in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine.
Posted: 7:34 PM Apr 25, 2010Reporter: WSAZ News Staff Email Address: news@wsaz.com |
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32 Comments 
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Words of inspiration, hope and promises to keep every miner safe was the focus of a memorial service to honor the 29 men killed and two injured in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine.
A memorial service of hope and healing was held at the Beckley- Raleigh County Convention Center Sunday.
In front of the stage, 29 white crosses were placed to represent the 29 men who lost their lives in the April 5 disaster. As families entered the arena, they placed the helmet of their loved one on a cross.
Governor Joe Manchin addressed the crowd saying, "My wish is this: that every American takes time to say a prayer for every miner that works today."
The Governor recalled the days following the explosion and the pain the miners' friends and families endured. He made a promise to those families. "You're loved ones will not have died in vain, I pledge that to you," he said.
He also thanked the rescue teams that risked their lives time after time in hopes of bringing the miners out alive.
Senator Jay Rockefeller also made a similar promise.
"We will get answers and we will pass legislation to meet the requirements of those answers," Rockefeller said.
Senator Robert C. Byrd, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, Congressman Nick Rahall and Congressman Alan Mollahan were in the audience.
Vice President Joe Biden shared memories of his grandfather's work in the mines of Pennsylvania. Biden said that what these men did wasn't easy and that they sacrificed their lives everyday to support their families and our country.
"It was dangerous work and they knew it, but never flinched," said Biden. "They represent what I believe is the heart and soul and the spine of this nation."
President Barack Obama took the stage after meeting with families.
"Nothing I say can fill the hole they leave in your hearts -- the absence they leave in your lives," President Obama said. "If any comfort can be found, it can, perhaps, be found by seeking the face of God, who quiets our troubled minds, mends our broken hearts, and eases our mourning souls."
The President said in the days following the disaster e-mails and letters poured into the White House offering support for the families -- many pleading to keep an accident like the one at the Upper Big Branch mine from ever happening again.
"We cannot bring back the 29 men we lost," said the President. "They are with the Lord now. Our task, here on Earth, is to save lives from being lost in another such tragedy."
The ceremony concluded as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Male Chorus sang "This Little Light of Mine." As they sang, the lamps on the 29 miners helmets were turned on by members of the rescue teams that put their own lives at risk in an attempt to save those men.
Latest Comments
My heart goes out to all the families. I have family members that have and still work for the mines. I see this Washington bunch as being hypocritical when they insist on pushing thru Cap and Trade, taking away the livlihood of many more coal and gas employees in WV. Let's watch and see where Obama goes with this. It is easy to say the words but walk the walk is a little different.
President Obama has GAINED my full RESPECT as Leader of this Country! Thank You Mr President, for giving a care about the Mt People, the work they do, and the sacrifices that have to be made to survive in these hills!
To anonymous - CEO Don Blankenship WAS at the memorial service, but no doubt - due to all the controversy and misinformation being written by irresponsible media heads, he probably wasn't asked to participate in the ceremony. I'll be waiting to see how many other tragedies the White House eulogizes - the recent oil rig explosion with 11 missing or the tornado in Mississippi with a dozen or so, including children, killed. I happen to believe this was all for "political" publicity or someone else less controversial to WV would have been the main speaker.
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