Unveiling of Miners Memorial Monument

Harlan County KFTC members encourage all to attend Friday's unveiling of the Miners Memorial Monument in Cumberland. 

"We are with and respect all coal miners.  It's a tragedy when one is lost," Rodney Adams, a retired union miner.

The ceremony will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, August 14 at Southeast Community College's theater in the Appalachian Center. The guest speakers will be Cecil Roberts, president of the UMWA. Also speaking will be the mayor of Cumberland, Loretta Cornett, and state represenative, Rick Nelson. A folk-singing duo, "Jeni & Billy" from Southwest Va., will be performing a few songs from their latest album, "Jewell Ridge Coal". Also, Judy Morris, a local singer will be singing Darrell Scott's "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive".

"Any number of KFTC-ers who worked in the mines could very well be on this wall too.  We think it's important to honor those who gave their life for their families.  We can all agree of the importance of better mine safety," Carl Shoupe, disabled coal miner and former UMWA organizer.

"This is one of the best ways we can honor our fallen miners, so I really hope each one of you can attend!" Stella Morris, who spearheaded the effort to create this monument.

After the ceremony, the crowd will relocate to the monument for the unveiling. Afterwards we will return to the theater for refreshments.