Manchin Statement on Seventh Anniversary of Upper Big Branch Mine Tragedy
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) issued the following statement reflecting on the seven-year anniversary of the tragedy at Upper Big Branch Mine that killed 29 miners.
“Today our hearts are heavy with the sad memory of the tragic Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster. Seven years ago, 29 brave West Virginia miners went to work and never returned home to their loved ones. In the aftermath of that horrible day, through moments of hope and despair, all West Virginians and the nation grieved with the miners’ families.
“On this sad anniversary, we are reminded that no family or community should ever endure a preventable tragedy like the one at Upper Big Branch again. It is critical that we continue to improve our safety standards so that our miners’ lives are never in jeopardy and I remain absolutely and totally committed to the health and safety of every worker.
“Every man or woman who goes to work in the morning should go with the knowledge that they will return home safely to their families at the end of the day. Gayle and I join all West Virginians in grieving the loss of our miners and honoring those miners’ memories as we pray for the continued strength for their families.”
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