W.Va. Governor Remembers Upper Big Branch Miners Killed One Year Ago
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images(CHARLESTON, W.Va.) -- West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is planning on Tuesday to observe a day of prayer and remembrance for the 29 men killed at the Upper Big Branch Mine one year ago. Tomblin issued a proclamation last Friday requesting that statewide observances honoring the victims begin Tuesday at 3:01 p.m.
"One year ago, 29 hard-working miners perished," Tomblin said in a written statement. "In their memory, I request that every church in our state ring its bell 29 times at 3:01 p.m."
The governor noted that 3:01 p.m. is the estimated time of the Upper Big Branch explosion.
Gov. Tomblin will also lay a wreath at the Miner's Statue on W. Va. State Capitol grounds. Later Tuesday evening, the governor plans to attend a memorial service in Whiteville, W. Va. with the families of the dead miners.
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