WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.VA., issued the following statement commemorating the 29 miners who were killed in the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster eight years ago.
Senator Manchin attended a Remembrance Ceremony for the 8th Anniversary of the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster in Whitesville.
“Eight years ago, 29 brave and hard-working miners left their homes and their families for another day of work in the mine and never returned home. Since that tragic day, West Virginians have not forgotten the bravery and fortitude of these miners as well as the grief and heartache their loved ones still feel today.
“On the eight year anniversary of this tragedy we must not forget that no family or community should have to ever deal with a tragedy that was preventable like the one at Upper Big Branch. We must strive to ensure that there are adequate safety standards in place so that miners will come back to their loved ones each and every day.
“Every miner who enters the mine each morning should be confident that they will come out at the end of the day. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in grieving the loss of these miners and we honor their memories and pray for the continued strength of their families.”
