Some folks will look at this and see boots, a thermos, and a hardhat and may notice the "29." This is part of a memorial for the 29 mine workers who were killed at the Upper Big Branch mine on the afternoon of April 5, 2010 in Raleigh County, West Virginia. The cause of the disaster was a coal dust explosion. Two workers made it out. Those killed were working about 1000 feet underground at the time of the explosion. They ranged in age from 20 to 61 years old. The mine was owned by A.T. Massey, a criminal company if ever there was one. The company was held responsible for the disaster.
I think that we show great faith and God's love in remembering the Upper Big Branch 29 and their families every year and when we remember all workers who die on the job and their families and communities. Is there no end to this suffering? It will end when we take responsibility for one another, live in solidarity and mercy with one another, and get every working person and poor person organized to demand and win the justice and dignity that God wants us to have. Even the coal cries out against injustice.
Steve Earle has a song about the disaster:
