U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Archived Speech — Caution: Information may be out of date.
As Delivered
2003 National Mine Rescue Awards
Banquet
Louisville, Ky.
September 19, 2003
Greetings. I’ve heard that you’ve had a great week!
I am very glad that I am able to be with you at tonight’s Banquet.
Storm or no storm, this is just too important a group and event to miss!
From what Dave Lauriski tells me, this is the first time a Labor Secretary has taken part in a national mine rescue contest and dinner.
This is long overdue.
Yesterday, I spent more than four hours reviewing the displays, watching the competitions, talking to families and friends of the miners, and meeting the various teams—some of whom had been in lockup since 6:30 this morning. Needless to say, they were more than ready to get going!
Again, let me thank Dave Lauriski and the many volunteers who have worked on this event—from the staff of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, to the state mining officials, to mining association representatives here tonight.
I also want to commend the rescue teams who participated in this week’s contests for your countless hours practicing and training, and for your dedication and commitment to saving lives throughout the year.
And I would like to congratulate tonight’s award winners—you represent the finest tradition and commitment of this country’s mine rescue teams.
I understand there are three rescue teams here this week from Jim Walters mines.
All of you here tonight are to be congratulated. The bench men, who ensure that rescue equipment is in top working order. The first-aid specialists, who are adept at treating injuries at the scene of an accident. And, of course, the teams of individuals who draw on their skills and expertise to rescue trapped and injured miners underground.
There are many other unsung heroes in the room tonight. You truly represent the best of America—proud men and women who answer the call for service and who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to help others.
Together, you have made incredible strides in safety. 2001 and 2002 were two of the safest years on record in the history of mining in this country.
In fact, overall, the number of mining fatalities so far this year is significantly less than last year. That is an outstanding achievement, and each one of you deserves to be congratulated for the role that you play.
You are also to be congratulated for keeping the engines of America’s growth well fueled. More than 50 percent of all the electrical power we use each day comes from coal.
It is America’s coal miners who provide the billions of tons of coal a year that it takes to power our electrical grid… who provide the energy that produces everything from cars and steel pipes and keeps the Internet online… who, in effect, stand between us and having another August blackout every day.
If we could eliminate mine accidents altogether, perhaps there would be no further need for mine rescue teams, or mine rescue contests. But until that time arrives, we will continue to rely heavily upon courageous men and women like you who are well trained and prepared to respond to danger and risk.
In fact, it is the attention to training and education that made the dramatic rescue of miners from the Quecreek, Pennsylvania mine possible. The rescue showed how modern miracles are made—through practice, training and a mastery of technology.
For all your hard work, your self-sacrifice, your dedication to mine safety and health, our nation appreciates what you do and we thank you.
You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Continued good luck to all of you tonight. May God bless America and our country’s miners.
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Archived Speech — Caution: Information may be out of date.
