United Mine Workers of America, District 31 will be holding the 50^th annual memorial service for the victims of the Farmington #9 Disaster on Sunday, November 18, 2018.  The service will be held at the #9 Memorial site in Mannington, West Virginia beginning at 1:00 PM.

UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts will be the keynote speaker.

“On the 50^th Anniversary of the Explosion, as we honor the 78 miners who perished in the Farmington #9 Disaster, we must understand that fifty years does not wash away the pain of losing a husband or fill the void left at the passing of a father or family member.  There is no  amount of time that can heal such deep wounds.  But we do need to take some solace in the fact that these brave miners did not die in vain.  Because of their sacrifice and the determination of their families, thousands of miners and their families have been spared a similar fate.  We owe much to these martyrs and their families. May God Bless each of them.”  

– Cecil E. Roberts                                                                            

UMWA International Secretary-Treasurer Levi Allen will offer remarks

UMWA International District 31 Vice President Mike Caputo will emcee the event.

Family, Friends and the community are all invited to attend.  Because of the anticipated crowd at the service this year, parking at the site will be limited.  Parking will be available at First Exchange Bank and Miller Hardware in Mannington.  Shuttle service to and from the Memorial will be provided.  UMWA staff will be available to assist individuals at the parking locations.  Please follow the parking signs to access these locations.  

What:              50^th Farmington #9 Memorial Service

When:             Beginning at 1:00 PM, Sunday November 18, 2018

Where:            #9 Memorial Site, Mannington, West Virginia