Media Advisory - Family, Friends, Steelworkers, Miners, Politicians Gather in Stellarton to Commemorate Westray 20th Anniversary Français
STELLARTON, NS, May 8, 2012 /CNW/ - A large gathering of people from Nova Scotia and across Canada is expected in Stellarton on Wednesday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the deadly Westray coal mine explosion of May 9, 1992.
A full day of events will begin with a morning vigil at the Westray monument in Memorial Park, built over the site where 26 miners were killed, 11 of whose bodies were never recovered.
Speakers throughout the day will include United Steelworkers' Ken Neumann, Wayne Fraser and Stephen Hunt; N.S. Premier Darrell Dexter; N.S. Federation of Labour's Rick Clarke; Ont. Federation of Labour's Nancy Hutchinson; and Euclide Hache, N.B. Dreager Men Rescue Team. Famed miners' choir Men of the Deeps will perform at an evening service conducted by Dr. Reverend Glen Matheson.
May 9th list of events:
MORNING
| 6:30: | Vigil begins with a walk from Summer Street Industries to Memorial Park. |
| 7:00: | At the memorial, prayer and speeches. |
| 7:40: | Walk back to Summer Street Industries for coffee, tea and muffins. |
| 10:45-Noon: | Assembly at North Nova Education Centre (NNEC) with Young Worker Awareness safety presentations. |
AFTERNOON
The Museum of Industry has offered its facilities to anyone who is in Pictou County for the day, providing refreshments and just a place to sit, chat and visit.
EVENING
| 6:30-7:00: | Families, friends and guests gather at Memorial Park. |
| 7:00: | Memorial Service begins with welcome by Dr. Reverend Glen Matheson, followed by performances by Men of the Deeps and the Jazz Choir from NNEC. The service then moves to the laying of white roses, more music from the Men of the Deeps and flowers to be laid by family members. |
| 7:45: | A moment of silence, followed by guest speakers and the laying of wreaths. A stained glass replica of the memorial will be presented by the artists and USW National Director Ken Neumann to the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry. The evening at the park will end with more music from the Men of the Deeps. |
| 8:15: | A reception at the NNEC will feature a display by the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry and music by Ron MacDonald and Friends. |
Debbie and Allen Martin, Westray Families' Group, 902-752-0537, [email protected]
Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951
Sylvia Boyce, USW Health and Safety, 416-544-5971, [email protected]
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