Hundreds of caskets stacked up for 1907 Monongah twin mines explosions' dead

Saturday is National Miner’s Day. 

It’s no coincidence that the 2009 U.S. Senate resolution picked Dec. 6 for the special day – that’s when 362 (officially; probably more than 500 unofficially) miners died in the twin Monongah mines explosions of No. 6 and No. 8 in 1907.

That still is the worse coal mine tragedy in American history.

3,242 miners died in 1907 alone. 

These numbers decreased to about 140 in the 1970s and to record lows of 35 in 2009 and 2012.

Naturally, Monongah will observe the day.

Chris Martin, Monongah’s No. 1 photographer, heads the "We Remember 1907" ceremonies.

Monongah Mine Disaster Our Bell will ring at 10:30 a.m., the time of the mine explosions. 

Sam Spears and Fairmont State Chamber Choir will perform. Denise Roncone has selected "Amazing Grace" to sing as a memorial for the miners and their families.

Joe Reynolds, Field Representative for United Mine Workers District 31, and Joseph D'Andrea will be the speakers. A reception will follow.

Blessing at the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Park Drive, by Father Daas will take place at 1 p.m. Lunch at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1:30-3:30. Music by Holy Spirit Church Choir featuring John Morrison on violin. Mass at 4 p.m.

If it rains, the ceremony will be inside the Monongah Town Hall.