President's Visit a Comfort to Families and Offers Hope for the Future

CHARLESTON, W.Va.,  April 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was released today by FACES after the State Memorial of Hope and Healing, which was held Sunday at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center to commemorate the 29 miners who lost their lives at the Upper Big Branch mine explosion on April 5.

"FACES joins all those who participated in yesterday's service in honoring the lives and contributions of the miners who were lost at the Upper Big Branch mine.  We join also in honoring the service and sacrifice of the rescue workers.  

"West Virginians are grateful to Governor Manchin, members of the West Virginia congressional delegation and to the President and Vice President for their supportive words and participation in the memorial service. The safety of the coal miner is always on the minds of the residents of this state and anyone associated with coal mining. The truth is mine safety is an everyday concern for most of us, and a tragedy like this reminds everyone what the character and bravery of a coal miner really is.  We were also reminded of the tremendous contributions of America's coal miners to our national and economic security and to our way of life."

The Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal) is an alliance of more than 60,000 people from all walks of life who are joining forces to educate lawmakers and the general public about the importance of coal and coal mining to our local and national economies and to our nation's energy security.  In addition to keeping tens of thousands of people employed in good-paying jobs, coal is the lifeblood of our domestic energy supply, generating nearly half the electricity consumed in the United States today.

SOURCE FACES of Coal