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DOL Home > Newsroom > Photo Gallery > Memorial Service Marking the One-Year Anniversary of the Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion

Photo Gallery: Memorial Service Marking the One-Year Anniversary of the Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion
(April 5, 2011)

Images include:

  • Whitesburg Elementary School hosts one of several memorial services for the victims of last year’s mine explosion.
  • Words of tribute adorn shirts worn by family members.
  • Acting W.Va., Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, State Police Chaplain Jimmy Mitchell, Sen. Joe Manchin, Sen. Jay Rockefeller and Labor Secretary Solis are among the speakers.
  • Sen. Rockefeller and Secretary Solis share a moment of solidarity.
  • MSHA Assistant Secretary Joe Main and Coal Administrator Kevin Stricklin are among federal officials attending the service.
  • Family members listen to prayers and scriptural readings.
  • Many of the victims’ loved ones left behind are young children.
  • Twenty-nine hard hats with lit cap lamps represent each of the fallen miners.
  • Secretary Solis offers words of support to a family member.
  • Reporters interview MSHA Assistant Secretary Joe Main following the memorial service.