Petition For An Annual Commemorative National Miner's Day For The United States Of America

1,150 People Have Sent 3,857 Letters and Emails

Sign the Petition

Some recent comments: these messages are published with permission of the signer.

Total Signers: 1,150    View More: 12 11 10 9 8 7 6    5 4 3 2 1

  1. Mon., Jun. 23, 2008 12:28 AM    link eric a j. | craborchard, WV

  2. Mon., Jun. 16, 2008 9:59 PM    link Barbara K. | Glouster, OH

    I am the wife and mother of coal miners, My husband and 2 sons work in the coal mine. My grandfather worked in the coal mines, as did my father-in-law.
    I live in a Once coal mining town and I believe that the day shoud be set as soon as possiable.

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  4. Tue., Jun. 10, 2008 3:09 PM    link Sonya Z. | Madison, AL

    My grandfather and father were coal miners in Eastern Kentucky near the West Virginia border. I have several relatives that risk their lives each day in the mines. My father retired last year after 30+ years of working as a miner. Coal miners are invaluable to our country.

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  6. Mon., Jun. 9, 2008 9:52 AM    link Catherine W. | Warner Robins, GA

    Both my Grandfather and Great Grandfather were Coal Miners. My Grandfather died of the
    black lung. My Great Grandfather died at 98. Many years before an accident in the mine had
    left him crippled for life. These men were two of the finest people I have ever known. I loved
    them dearly and I believe that a National Coal Miners Day is an important thing to have.

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  8. Tue., Jun. 3, 2008 10:10 AM    link Jeanie D. | Sulphur, LA

    I found information on this topic when I was looking for something else in reference to West Virginia and mining. The importance of honoring miners, past and present, does not leave me for long. They are most deserving of their day.

    It is a great part of my heritage. Some of my reasons for supporting efforts to commemorate a national Miner's Day certainly are personal. My grandfathers, father, uncles, and cousins all dedicated selflessly. I cannot sing any mining songs nor speak of kinfolk or mining tragedies
    without fighting the tears and feeling the pride. Should this legislation be passed, I would work tirelessly to bring a national Miner's Day to life. What can I do to become involved?

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  10. Thu., May. 29, 2008 7:24 PM    link Rebecca P. | Martinsburg, WV

    My father, Virgil L. Williams was a coal miner in southern West Virginia for 33 yrs. and so was his father, Emory Williams. My father, age 84, passed away on October 18th, 1999, after struggling many years with breathing problems from the coal dust in his lungs. He loved coal mining and was so proud to say he was a coal miner. He had a small museum of coal mining tools, photographs, script and many many other items. He spoke to many school children here in the eastern panhandle about being a coal miner. Before he passed away he donated all of his collection to the WV Cultural Museum in Charleston. They had a beautiful exhibit in his honor, which he did get to attend. What a proud moment for my father and his family. When the new Cultural Center Museum opens his collection will be on display.

    Please commemorate our coal miners, past & present with a National Miners Day. They are proud souls and so deserving of a special day in their honor!

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  12. Thu., May. 29, 2008 7:24 PM    link Rebecca P. | Martinsburg, WV

    My father, Virgil L. Williams was a coal miner in southern West Virginia for 33 yrs. and so was his father, Emory Williams. My father, age 84, passed away on October 18th, 1999, after struggling many years with breathing problems from the coal dust in his lungs. He loved coal mining and was so proud to say he was a coal miner. He had a small museum of coal mining tools, photographs, script and many many other items. He spoke to many school children here in the eastern panhandle about being a coal miner. Before he passed away he donated all of his collection to the WV Cultural Museum in Charleston. They had a beautiful exhibit in his honor, which he did get to attend. What a proud moment for my father and his family. When the new Cultural Center Museum opens his collection will be on display.

    Please commemorate our coal miners, past & present with a National Miners Day. They are proud souls and so deserving of a special day in their honor!

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  14. Fri., May. 23, 2008 10:14 PM    link Lola L. | Lenore, WV

    I think this is a very good idea. I have grown up in West Virginia, and just recently I had a friend of the family get killed in the mines. I think everyone in the U.S. should realize how much this country, and other countries depend on coal. I think this day would help Americans realize. People in other parts of the nation don't realize because they don't have to worry about a loved one, a friend, a brother, a son, ect. going into the mines everyday. I think this would be really nice, and make some people realize what West Virginians and others risk everyday when they go to work.

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  16. Fri., May. 23, 2008 12:17 PM    link Paulette S. | Morgantown, WV

    Please support a National Miner's Day. Almost every state has a rich cultural past and present of mining. Not only coal mining; that I had worked in for over 8 years, and that my father and grand-father shared; but iron ore, potash, gold . . . Do to mechanization, mining is less visible, but still important to our economy. Help us show this importance and share the History.
    Thank You
    Paulette Shine
    252 Number 8 Hollow
    Morgantown, WV 26501

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  18. Tue., May. 13, 2008 11:17 PM    link John W. | Missoula, MT

    As you well know, here in Montana, miners have long gotten the shaft, while the rich bastards who've run the companies have gotten richer and left behind a legacy of toxic copper mine dumps and asbestos-filled school playgrounds. Miners and their heirs deserve better than that.

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  20. Tue., May. 13, 2008 6:15 AM    link MARIA P. | Pompano Beach, FL

    Miners have always done the hard job, not knowing when disaster would strike. They have given the ultimate sacrifice for a job that many Americans take for granted. My hat is off to the miners, history proves they are great Americans.

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  22. Wed., May. 7, 2008 7:44 PM    link christopher d. | princeton, WV

  23. Sat., May. 3, 2008 2:01 PM    link Jimmie T. | Trinidad, CO

  24. Sat., May. 3, 2008 6:51 AM    link Ron & Pam J. | Hurricane, WV

  25. Fri., May. 2, 2008 8:58 PM    link Tracy S. | Morgantown, WV

  26. Tue., Apr. 29, 2008 10:38 PM    link jean w. | Jasper, AL

    PLEASE< PLEASE< PLEASE!!!! This is so needed.

    Thank you for seeing that this is accomplished.

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  28. Tue., Apr. 29, 2008 8:15 PM    link Jim G. | Roswell, GA

    Please support our desire to have an Annual Commemorative National Miner’s Day For The United States Of America

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  30. Sun., Apr. 27, 2008 10:42 AM    link Brian R. | St. Petersburg, FL

  31. Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 9:33 PM    link Debbie V. | Monongah, WV

  32. Sun., Apr. 20, 2008 7:54 PM    link Tosin O. | mastic beach, NY

  33. Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 7:46 PM    link Susan S. | Saint Augustine, FL

    Where would we be today without miners?

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  35. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 10:52 PM    link ron l. | kihei, HI

    this needs to be done now.

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  37. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 4:26 PM    link JOHN B. | Lincolnwood, IL

    THEY SHOULD HAVE A DAY THEY MADE OUR COUNTRY WHAT IT IS.

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  39. Tue., Apr. 15, 2008 7:36 AM    link Carlos N. | Charleston, WV

    We owe the coal miners a huge debt of gratitude every time we flip the light switch and turn on our TV's. This is much deserved and much too late.

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  41. Mon., Apr. 14, 2008 11:43 AM    link LeAnne R. | Charleston, WV

    I am the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of West Virginia coal miners. My great grandfather died in the Bartley Coal Mine disaster in January, 1940. Over the years, my grandmother shared many stories with me of growing up in a coal camp. Though she is gone now, I remember every detail of her sad accounting of the day her father was killed. I know my grandmother would be overjoyed to know that someone is remembering the sacrifices that coal miners and their families have made. They are truly the reason we turn the lights on!

    Please make sure that coal miners are given the recognition they deserve!

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  43. Thu., Apr. 10, 2008 9:53 PM    link robert r. | weston, WV

  44. Thu., Apr. 10, 2008 7:59 PM    link lonnie m. | bluefield, WV

  45. Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 7:07 PM    link Gail G. | Montcalm, WV

    I feel the coal miners of this nation are very dedicated and hard working people who are very deserving of a national coal miners day to be recognized for their hard work. Coal mining is a very dangerous job, having lost my father in a coal mining accident ,I know that first hand.Please let us show our appreciation by honoring them in this way!

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  47. Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 6:54 PM    link Gail G. | Montcalm, WV

    I am retired coal miner with many family members in the industry. My wife knows first hand the dangers and risks faced daily by coal miners having lost her father and uncle in mining accidents also having several family menbers with black lung and severe arthritis ! I feel that coal miners are the most unappreciated and hard working people in the industry .

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  49. Sat., Apr. 5, 2008 5:37 PM    link Nick F. | Huntington, WV

  50. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 8:05 PM    link Kenneth W. | N Brookfield, MA

    Kathy Mattea's new CD, COAL, reminded me of the difficult times my Uncle and others who grew up in the Mining towns of W. Virginia experienced. Please consider very carefully honoring these hard working men and families who sacrificed so much for our country.

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  52. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 10:39 PM    link Allen T. | Wheeling, WV

    Dear Senator Byrd,

    Thank you for your many years of dedicated service to West Virginia and our Nation. You are one of the truly great patriots. One of my proudest moments as a West Virginian was watching you stand up against the Bush war machine before the invasion of Iraq. That sort of courage is difficult to find in Washington DC these days. You have won my undying respect with that single act of valor. As we grow increasing tired of this senseless war your words loom large in the background. Perhaps one day they will learn.

    I ask that you please support this worthy cause and give our miners their day in sun. They have certainly earned the gradtitude of our Nation and deserve a day of recognition to acknowledge their contributions and sacrifices.

    May God bless you and keep you safe always.

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  54. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 7:39 PM    link Susan M. | Charleston, WV

  55. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:54 PM    link Glenda P. | Gilbert, AZ

    I am signing the Petition For An Annual Commemorative National Miner’s Day For The United States Of America. I send a special thank you to Kathy Mattea for bringing this to my attention! I suggest to everybody to get the new Kathy Mattea album "Coal". Thank you! Glenda S. Paradee

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  57. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 5:01 AM    link Donald H. | Fort Lauderdale, FL

    I've been in a deep coal mine in Utah for only minutes as a CPA on an audit and I have jumped from airplanes as a skydiver. Trust me when I say that I feel safer hanging from a parachute 3,000 feet in the air than being in a deep coal mine.

    The level of courage that any miner in a deep mine situation, who may spend a lifetime underground, rather than my mere minutes, is entirely unfathomable.

    Half of the electricity I am using to post this message to you comes from coal.

    Please honor the miners. They have greatly contibuted to your life.

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  59. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 7:10 AM    link Tim R. | Bluefield, WV

    My father worked 40 years in the mines to feed and clothe his family. In 1994 he past away from black lung. There should be a day to remember the miners that gave their life for an industry that is so dangerous. It is a day, that has been due for so very long.

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  61. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 4:22 PM    link Larry S. | Bowie, MD

    The quality of the men who power our great nation is a second to none. Growing up in West Virginia I can tell you there is not a more patriotic and sincere group of poeple than those who dive into the holes of this earth and bring out its treasure, so that thier fellow countrymen can live just a little more comfortable. So this summer when you are enjoying the airconditioned office from which decisions like this one should be made easily, look out your window and start to picture which part of the Mall the tribute to these heros should go.

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  63. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 4:09 PM    link Amanda Gayle R. | Saint Albans, WV

  64. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 9:05 AM    link Robert H. | West Union, WV

  65. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 7:34 AM    link Loucinda D. | Washington, PA

  66. Sun., Mar. 30, 2008 7:49 PM    link MARY J. | PRINCETON, WV

  67. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 11:44 PM    link Daktoa F. | Princeton, WV

    I feel that the miners of America should be recognized in the form of a national hoilday. This holiday would not only honor and recognize dedicated, hard-working miners but it would help inform the citizens of the country about the importance and nessicity for the coal and other minerals mined.

    Thank you

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  69. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 9:53 PM    link Diana H. | Princeton, WV

  70. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 5:51 AM    link Cora F. | Fairmont, WV

    As the Chairman of Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Monongah West Virginia, the burial site of many of the men and boys killed in the worst mining disaster in United States History, I back a National Miners Day 100%. Miners are part of the back bone of this country, they light our nation via coal power. They give us the opportunity to be self sufficient against Saudia oil if we would so choose.
    Please add my name to the list of those wanting a National Miners Day.
    Cora J. Fazio

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  72. Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 7:11 AM    link Sharon B. | Forest Hill, WV

    It is time to honor these hard-working, courageous men and women who do so much to make our lives easier.

    And, thank everyone helping to make this tribute possible!

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  74. Mon., Mar. 24, 2008 1:10 PM    link Phyllis Vaughan P. | Bristol, WV

    My father and grandfather were WV coal miners in Kanawha! It is an important part of
    my proud heritage.

    I teach at Mountaineer Middle in Harrison County, and my students read the novel, The Rocket Boys, and watch the video, October sky every year. They are always inspired by the obstacles overcome by these WV students.

    My daughter is a senior at Robert C. Byrd High School in Harrison County. She, too, realizes the
    importance of coal to West Virginia.

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  76. Sat., Mar. 22, 2008 7:04 PM    link Lois W. | Lima, OH

    Please give these men the recognition they have earned.

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  78. Wed., Mar. 19, 2008 12:49 PM    link Tammy P. | Two Harbors, MN

  79. Sat., Mar. 15, 2008 6:53 PM    link Cathy V. | WAR, WV

    I am the wife of a coal miner He has worked in the mines for 33years, and I think that what he goes through every day that he goes into the mine, he deserves to have a day in Honor of him, and all that came before him. It's time for the working men to have a day in their honor. Please pass this into law. Thank you.

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  81. Fri., Mar. 14, 2008 10:42 AM    link JERALD J. | Utica, OH

  82. Fri., Mar. 14, 2008 10:10 AM    link Annette C. | Fairmont, WV

  83. Fri., Mar. 14, 2008 10:09 AM    link Bryan L. | Fairmont, WV

  84. Fri., Mar. 14, 2008 1:14 AM    link Jared A. | Tulare, CA

  85. Thu., Mar. 13, 2008 11:58 AM    link Amanda R. | Meadow Bridge, WV

  86. Tue., Mar. 11, 2008 2:47 PM    link Susan B. | Brohard, WV

    As a lifelong West Virginian, I know that you all, like I, know the importance of this day! It is the best way to show our appreciation for what the miners do for our nation

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  88. Tue., Mar. 11, 2008 2:41 PM    link Jason S. | Beckley, WV

    Miners work long and hard hours and deserve to be honored.

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  90. Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 3:11 PM    link Teresa P. | Cleveland, OH

    Please create an annual national Miner's Day for the US. My father, grandfather, uncles & cousins were all coal miners!

    I am proud of my southern heritage & of West Virginia.

    Thank you!

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  92. Sat., Mar. 8, 2008 12:15 PM    link Melanie E. | Omar, WV

    My father worked his entire adult life underground to support his family. On December 7, 1989, a roof collapse claimed his life. Every time I hear of a miner fatality, I think of my dad. I know how those families feel. I give my complete support for a National Miner's Day for not only the miners it would represent, but the families that must go on living without their loved ones.

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  94. Fri., Mar. 7, 2008 8:23 AM    link Bruce H. | Springfield, MO

  95. Wed., Mar. 5, 2008 11:27 PM    link Malena W. | Delbarton, WV

    I consider my husband who is an electrician in the coal mines and all of the other coal miners to have one of the most important jobs in america. My husband works long hours and comes home tired, dirty and most times with scratches on his body. He is proud of his job and grateful to be able to provide more than enough for his family. It is through his selfless dedication and hard work that he is able to do this. I make sure that I and the our children hug him and tell him that we love him each night before he goes off to work in the mines, for it is a giant sacrifice that a miner and his family makes each time he says " I love you, see you in the morning".
    I am grateful and he is humbled that such a day is being set aside to honor the great work, dedication, and most of all the sacrifices that coal miners have made and continue to make every day for their family and for their country.

    Thank you , Malena

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  97. Tue., Mar. 4, 2008 8:35 AM    link John C. | North Canton, OH

    Tragically, much of our mining history as it relates to individual miners can be summed up in a few words of a song about coal mining, made popular by Tennessee Ernie Ford during the 50' & 60's; "I load 16 tons, what do I get, another day older and deeper in debt". Fortunately unionization changed all that and helped raise the standard of living for many Americans in all walks of life. These men were not heroes, just normal Americans who strove to make a living so they could raise families of their own. These families have formed a large portion of the backbone of our great country though, and a day to honor them and the sacrifices their families have made is indeed fitting.

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  99. Mon., Mar. 3, 2008 8:50 PM    link Donald W. | Great Falls, VA

    Veteran's Day rightfully honors the men and women of this great Nation that protect our liberty. Labor Day rightfully honors America's laborers, the backbone of the Nation. That said, I would add that very few Americans share the importance of the Nation's Coal Miners in producing a product that enabled the building of America and that continues to be vital to the U.S. economy and livelihood: coal fueled the blast furnaces of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Gary, Indiana. Coal Miners risk their lives on a daily basis as do our Servicemen, Police Offciers and Fire Fighters, yet the only specific recognition these unsung heros of America get, is when one of their mines cave in. Few, if any, statues in their honor exist outside of the coal towns of America. We owe our Coal Miners, not only a Day of Recogintion, but also a prominent national statue in the Nation's capital of Washington, DC.

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  101. Mon., Mar. 3, 2008 8:45 PM    link Joseph A. | Mount Rainier, MD

    Please help us celebrate the people who are willing to do the hard work so we can have the homegrown energy we all depend on.

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  103. Mon., Mar. 3, 2008 8:19 PM    link Robert L. | Geneva, FL

    Coal mining was a way of life. Three years I worked in the mines- it was the only way a young boy from West Virginia could make enough money to attend college and graduate from medical school. Coal mining was my way out- yet it taught me the values of life. It gave me the principles of friendship, hard work, and dignity which I still live by today. Coal mining in West Virginia was a step forward for me, for others it is their only step. The people who work and have worked the mines are the true example of what most of America is missing today. God Bless the Coal Miners and what they STAND for.

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  105. Mon., Mar. 3, 2008 7:52 PM    link Judith F. | New York, NY

    I agree. Send this message to my U.S. Senators and my U.S. Representative.

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  107. Mon., Mar. 3, 2008 2:25 PM    link Nikki M. | Alderson, WV

    Having had family that worked in the mines, I feel that this would be a great opportunity for everyone to appreciate all the hard work (and hard times) miners have done and gone through. Coal miners are greatly un-appreciated in my opinion, and deserve this recognition. Thank you.

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  109. Mon., Mar. 3, 2008 6:40 AM    link Cynthia L. | Hurricane, WV

    I think this would be a wonderful tribute to the hard working coal miners. My father is a coal miner, as well as many of my husbands family members. I have been in the depths of a couple of mines and must say they deserve all the praise and honor they can get.

    There is a holiday for most everything else -- so why not praise the miners and their families. I would just hope that with this holiday that the actual miners get some benefit from it (i.e. - I dont know how easy it would be to close down mines an enitre day for a holiday, pay all the miners for that holiday, etc.)

    Thanks should go to Homer Hickam for staying involved in his birth state and for initiating these wonderful ideas -- the Miners Holiday and starting a scholarship for children of coalminers.

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  111. Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 5:13 PM    link Judy B. | Durham, NC

    As the wife of a former family-owned, small owner/operator mine in the Clay County area I totally support the recognition these individuals well deserve. Please continue your support of this tribute.

    Thank you.

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  113. Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 11:15 AM    link Valerie M. | Milton, WV

    Having a national coal miner's day is long past due.

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  115. Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 12:44 AM    link Shannon P. | Albion, IN

  116. Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 4:39 PM    link Dan W. | Russell, KY

  117. Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 2:48 PM    link THOMAS M. | WHEELING, WV

    I AM A RETIRED COAL MINER WITH 38 YEARS UNDERGROUND. I AM A MEMBER OF UMWA LOCAL 1473 DISTRICT 31 SUB DISTRICT 6. I THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA. THANK YOU.

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  119. Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 1:42 AM    link ELEANOR P. | SPRINGFIELD, VA

  120. Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 8:09 PM    link Carol J. | Princeton, WV

  121. Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 7:29 PM    link Rustyn G. | Pullman, WV

    As a Mining Engineering student at West Virginia University I believe it is imperative that we put our hearts and souls into securing a day that recognizes all the great miners who have given their lives in the courses of powering our nations industry and electricity so that we may retain our status in the world.

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  123. Wed., Feb. 27, 2008 5:07 PM    link jody b. | bluefield, WV

    I think this is a great idea. My dad was killed in the mines in Brookwood AL This was September 23, 2001. 13 Miners lost their lives. I would love to see a National Miner's Day honoring miners and the ones who have lost their lives. my father gave his life trying to get to other miners. my mother has been in front of congress trying to get laws changed. this story is like so many. my father was inducted into the union even though he was a salary man. he is the only one to have been given this honor. he received wv governors award. he had worked 20+ years for us steel #2 gary wv. he lived at leckie in mcdowell county, after this mines shut down he had to relocate to tuscaloosa al. my mother was inducted into the cambridge who's who. unlike sago brookwood was not noticed. my father also won the carnary medal of honor.

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  125. Wed., Feb. 27, 2008 8:03 AM    link David O. | Richwood, WV

    Both my father and grandfather dedicated their lives to underground coal mining. My two brother's and my college educations were paid from a coal miner's wages. A national coal miner's memorial day would be a wonderful way to honor that.

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  127. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 8:50 PM    link JOHN S. | Prestonsburg, KY

    After all these years, I can't believe that we haven't already honored these men who have contributed so much in building this country. Now you gentlemen have the opportunity to do this at a time when these men are not only so vital to our country's economy, but to her continued top world financial position.
    Respectfully submitted, and

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  129. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 8:49 PM    link Bethany H. | Findlay, OH

  130. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 7:48 PM    link Melissa H. | Princeton, WV

  131. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 7:38 PM    link Dwight R. | Greenbrier, TN

    We need more recognition for the miners; especially the ones who have given their lives
    for our energy dependence.

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  133. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 5:18 PM    link Melissa C. | Pocahontas, VA

    I also think that this day should be a day off with pay for all miners.(surface,underground,ect) My husband is a surface mine foreman. He goes out every morning at 6:00 am and does not return home till 8:00pm. Everday that he goes out 6 sometimes 7 days a week I worry will he make it back home with myself and our 3 daughters, so we as Americans need to stand up and make this a very special day for all our fellow miners. The ones that are still with us and the ones that have past doing what they loved to do. Work as a coal miner.

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  135. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 5:02 PM    link Anne H. | Rainelle, WV

    Long overdue; what an honor this would be to our miners like my Dad.

    Thank you, Mr. Hickam, for taking the time to honor our miners, the backbone of West Virginia.

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  137. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 12:09 PM    link micah e. | morgantown, WV

    We need to recognize our brave miners.

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  139. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 11:26 AM    link Jackie H. | Hildebran, NC

    To Whom It May Concern,

    I was a coal miner in Boone, West Virginia for approximately 4 years underground before moving up to Assistant Safety Director. Though I am no longer in the state of West Virginia nor the coal mining industry, I am still fully aware of the risks associated in the mining industry and the fact that coal miners work themselves to the bone and are very unappreciated even with the recent publicity in their industry. There have been many recent tragedies in this industry and people need to be aware of the dangers that underground coal miners face every day when they travel inside the driftmouth to hell. Why would we not dedicate a day in history to these brave men? We don't hesitate to honor presidents and other figures in history. Coal miners deserve a memorial.

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  141. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 9:57 AM    link Jerry M. | Thorpe, WV

    Im a coal miner and would to see something done for all the coal miners in the world.It takes a very special person to do this kind of work.So what i would like to say is GOD BLESS THE COAL MINER.

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  143. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 9:32 AM    link Sherri M. | Beckley, WV

    My Dad was a coal miner for nearly 38 years. He is now in failing health and I think this would not only be a GREAT tribute to him, but to all coal miners.

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  145. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 8:39 AM    link Kenneth W. | Welch, WV

    I was a coalminer for 18 years and I personaly know the dangers of working in the coalmines. My father was killed in the mines on September 16th 1960 while firebossing 10 west section. I was only 10 years old but remember that tragic day as if it were only yesterday, so yes I know what is like to lose a loved one a tragic mining accident. Coalmining is a very dangerous job and the miners that work in them do need to be recognized so I do support a National Miners Day.

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  147. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 8:39 AM    link Gwendolyn M. | Morgantown, WV

    I am the grandaughter of a man who died in the mines in Osage, WV. My later Grandmother lost 2 husbands to the coal mines in WV.

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  149. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 8:36 AM    link Nicholas D. | South Riding, VA

    Furthermore, as a born and bred West Virginian and relatively new resident of Virginia, both greatly coal-rich, this is the least that should be done for all the coal miners that have risked their lives for the betterment of the United States.

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  151. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 8:35 AM    link Nicholas D. | South Riding, VA

    As a born and bred West Virginian and relatively new resident of Virginia, both greatly coal-rich, this is the least that should be done for all the coal miners that have risked their lives for the betterment of the United States.

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  153. Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 8:34 AM    link Kenneth W. | Welch, WV

    I was a coalminer for 18 years and I personaly know the dangers of working in the coalmines. My father was killed in the mines on September 16th 1960 while firebossing 10 west section when the section was full of Methane gas and was inited by a spark from the trolly wire. Coalmining is a very dangerous job and the miners that work in them do need to be recognized so I do support a National Miners Day.

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  155. Sun., Feb. 24, 2008 11:54 PM    link Riki S. | Osage, WV

    The financial security of many Americans has been made on the backs as well as from the blood, sweat, unfortunate and untimely deaths of many coal miners and the tears of thier families. If we can not set aside one day of our lives in order to pay homage to those whom have set aside their whole life, including the future of thier families, for us it has become a very sad day in this country. It would be a day in which I would have to think twice about the pride and hope that I hold onto dearly for this country.

    I live in a former coal town in West Virginia, I have heard of the heroic stories of miners and their families coming together in times of dispair, and have heard the stories of banning together in order to ensure that coal companies were held accountable for the mistreatment of all coal miners in America. I have also seen first hand the devastation left behind when a coal company pack up thier bags and leaving the town to deal with financial windfall that follows.

    I urge the lawmakers of our great land to not only honor but give thanks and recognition to those who have for many generations given hours of thier lives quietly in the dark to all American citizens in order for us to enjoy the lives that we do today.

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  157. Sun., Feb. 24, 2008 11:51 PM    link Riki S. | Osage, WV

    The financial security of many Americans has been made on the backs as well as from the blood, sweat, unfortunate and untimely deaths of many coal miners and the tears of thier families. If we can not set aside one day of our lives in order to pay homage to those whom have set aside their whole life, including the future of thier families, for us it has become a very sad day in this country. It would be a day in which I would have to think twice about the pride and hope that I hold onto dearly for this country.

    I live in a former coal town in West Virginia, I have heard of the heroic stories of miners and their families coming together in times of dispair, and have heard the stories of banning together in order to ensure that coal companies were held accountable for the mistreatment of all coal miners in America. I have also seen first hand the devastation left behind when a coal company pack up thier bags and leaving the town to deal with financial windfall that follows.

    I urge the lawmakers of our great land to honor, give thanks and recognition to those who have for many generations given hours of thier lives quietly in the dark to all American citizens in order for us to enjoy the lives that we do today.

  158. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  159. Sun., Feb. 24, 2008 12:31 PM    link Patricia M. | Westminster, MD

  160. Sat., Feb. 23, 2008 8:28 PM    link James S. | Greencastle, PA

  161. Sat., Feb. 23, 2008 3:40 PM    link Kim B. | Cedar Bluff, VA

    As the daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter of miners I think this is long overdue. Having lost my great grandfather to a rock fall in a west virginia coal mine I think this would be a wonderful way for my kids to remember him and honor all the hard working men and also the women who have worked in the coal mines.

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  163. Sat., Feb. 23, 2008 12:19 PM    link Jamie M. | Hiddenite, NC

    My mother's famiy came to North Carolina where we all live today. I have long since been inspired by the stories of the my great grandfather who worked in the coal mines of West Virginia and Virginia. He died many years before I was born of Black Lung but I feel like I have known him most of my life. It would be a noteable honor to commerate a day to all coal miners. Without their work over the years we would not be where we are today with current technological advancements!

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  165. Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 10:16 PM    link Ted P. | Powell, OH

  166. Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 7:34 AM    link Carmen C. | Anchorage, AK

    My parents grew up in an Arizona mining town and they talked about the impact of this manual intensive work. How fitting to honor an important segment of the U.S. worker -- our miners. This tribute will recognize all the miners, past and present, who toiled and labored.

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Petition created by Miner's Day Memorial Association of West Virginia

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