fallen coal miners

[krash]

For any one in the Charleston West Virgina area there will be a ride to benefit the families of fallen West Virginia coal miners on Sunday April 11th at 1 pm. I will be there with the Southern Cruisers Riding Club. Hope to see you there.

http://www.westvirginiabikers.com/2010_April.html

[krash]

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Even miles away from the site of the Upper Big Branch Mine many efforts are being organized to honor the 29 miners killed in a deadly explosion.

Sunday, a special prayer vigil was held at the miner's memorial at the state captiol.

The vigil was organized by the Kings River Worship Center. Pastor Ron Crum grew up in Marsh Fork. After Monday's explosion, Crum says he stopped by Marsh Fork Elementary, where the media was set up, every day. Crum says "that's my people, that's my family."

Crum says he wanted to organize Sunday's vigil to give everyone a chance to grieve and pray for the 29 miners killed.

People took time to pray for the miners, their families, rescue workers and even Governor Joe Manchin.

In Jefferson, nearly 400 bikers gathered at Tomahawks Sunday for a memorial motorcycle ride.

Riders were asked to make a cash donation and more than $7,500 was raised. The money will be given to the families of the miners.

"I've worked with some of the guys and know their families," said Patrick Demersman. "I can't pretend to know what they are going through. I hope things work out and everybody pulls through it."

Still a coal miner, Demersman says he will now think of those 29 men every time he heads underground. He was overwhelmed with the turnout of support Sunday.

"It's wild how people pull together in a time like this," Demersman says.

Even strangers to the miners and the families were along for the ride. Debbie Luikart says "They're West Virginians man, they're miners, they're our people and you've got to support our people."

[krash]

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Even miles away from the site of the Upper Big Branch Mine many efforts are being organized to honor the 29 miners killed in a deadly explosion.

Sunday, a special prayer vigil was held at the miner's memorial at the state captiol.

The vigil was organized by the Kings River Worship Center. Pastor Ron Crum grew up in Marsh Fork. After Monday's explosion, Crum says he stopped by Marsh Fork Elementary, where the media was set up, every day. Crum says "that's my people, that's my family."

Crum says he wanted to organize Sunday's vigil to give everyone a chance to grieve and pray for the 29 miners killed.

People took time to pray for the miners, their families, rescue workers and even Governor Joe Manchin.

In Jefferson, nearly 400 bikers gathered at Tomahawks Sunday for a memorial motorcycle ride.

Riders were asked to make a cash donation and more than $7,500 was raised. The money will be given to the families of the miners.

"I've worked with some of the guys and know their families," said Patrick Demersman. "I can't pretend to know what they are going through. I hope things work out and everybody pulls through it."

Still a coal miner, Demersman says he will now think of those 29 men every time he heads underground. He was overwhelmed with the turnout of support Sunday.

"It's wild how people pull together in a time like this," Demersman says.

Even strangers to the miners and the families were along for the ride. Debbie Luikart says "They're West Virginians man, they're miners, they're our people and you've got to support our people."

[krash]

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Even miles away from the site of the Upper Big Branch Mine many efforts are being organized to honor the 29 miners killed in a deadly explosion.

Sunday, a special prayer vigil was held at the miner's memorial at the state captiol.

The vigil was organized by the Kings River Worship Center. Pastor Ron Crum grew up in Marsh Fork. After Monday's explosion, Crum says he stopped by Marsh Fork Elementary, where the media was set up, every day. Crum says "that's my people, that's my family."

Crum says he wanted to organize Sunday's vigil to give everyone a chance to grieve and pray for the 29 miners killed.

People took time to pray for the miners, their families, rescue workers and even Governor Joe Manchin.

In Jefferson, nearly 400 bikers gathered at Tomahawks Sunday for a memorial motorcycle ride.

Riders were asked to make a cash donation and more than $7,500 was raised. The money will be given to the families of the miners.

"I've worked with some of the guys and know their families," said Patrick Demersman. "I can't pretend to know what they are going through. I hope things work out and everybody pulls through it."

Still a coal miner, Demersman says he will now think of those 29 men every time he heads underground. He was overwhelmed with the turnout of support Sunday.

"It's wild how people pull together in a time like this," Demersman says.

Even strangers to the miners and the families were along for the ride. Debbie Luikart says "They're West Virginians man, they're miners, they're our people and you've got to support our people."

[kawgirl]

That's awesome how the community of bikers come together to help others out. Thanks for posting this.

[Cajunrider]

Wow.....Amazing story. Touched this Cajun's heart. Thanks for posting.

[caper]

I have worked in the coal mines of Cape Breton N.S for over 20 years. Words can not explain the brotherhood that coal miners feel for each other. It hits me in the heart to see such sorrow! Prayers to them and their families!!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Truly wonderful.