BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The 14th anniversary of the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster was recognized on Friday when members of the Raleigh County Community came together at the Miner’s Memorial Garden in Downtown Beckley to commemorate the tragic accident which claimed the lives of 29 miners.
The ceremony saw attendance by members of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, along with local leaders such as Beckley Mayor Rob Rappold, Raleigh County Administrator Jay Quesenberry, House of Delegates members Eric Brooks, and Christopher Toney, and former House of Delegates member Mick Bates who served as master of ceremonies for the event.
Those in attendance observed a period of silence inside the Beckley Courthouse in honor of the miners lost in the tragic event before making their way outside to the Miners Memorial Garden near Shoemaker Square.
“There are people today that went to work who face the same thing; there are families today who face the same reality,” said Bates. “So when we honor these men, we honor all the lives that were lost, and we honor all these men who continue to do their work.”
Senator Joe Manchin was among those who addressed the anniversary on Friday, stating,
“Fourteen years ago, West Virginia suffered an unimaginable loss when 29 brave coal miners were killed in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. The anniversary of this tragedy reminds us that our miners are willing to risk their lives for us, and we owe it to them and their loved ones to prioritize their health and safety.
My heart goes out to the friends and families of Carl, Christopher, Kenneth, Cory, Michael, Steve, Rick, Joe, Nicolas, Adam, Josh, Dewey, Gary, Grover, Ricky, Jason, Greg, Robert, Timmy, William, Dean, Roosevelt, Ronald, Eddie, Rex, Boone, Jody, Deward and Benny,” Senator Manchin continued.
“Gayle and I join all West Virginians in honoring the memory of these 29 courageous miners who lost their lives that day and we will continue to keep them and their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
Congresswoman Carol Miller also offered her condolences on Friday, writing,
“Today marks 14 years since the tragic loss of 29 West Virginian coal miners who were killed by an explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in Whitesville. My thoughts and prayers remain with the families. May we never forget the sacrifice they made for us.”
Governor Jim Justice commented on the severity of the tragedy, which took place nearly a decade in a half ago. In a statement honoring West Virginia miners both fallen and active, Justice emphasized the unforgettable nature of that tragic day.
“It’s truly hard to believe it’s been 14 years since we lost these 29 courageous miners in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster—a day we will never forget in West Virginia,” said Governor Justice. “I ask everyone to take a moment and pray for their families, friends, and communities. For our current miners—if you see them, thank them. They are some of our country’s finest heroes.”
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Raleigh County area can be found here.
