Governor Joe Manchin along with numerous State and Local officials and the West Virginia Young Democrats will officially announce “West Virginia Coal Miner Appreciation Day August 14th, 2009.

This event is to celebrate and dedicate a day in honor of all West Virginia Coal Miners, their families, and their occupation.

The event will take place on the grounds of the West Virginia Capitol, outside of the Cultural Center, in front of the coal miner statue. The Governor will sign a proclamation, which the Secretary of State will also sign to make the day official. Governor Manchin and Secretary of State Natalie Tennant are scheduled to sign the resolution and dedicate the day at 2:30 p.m.

Governor Manchin will formally name the Sunday before Labor Day as “West Virginia Coal Miner Appreciation Day.”

The Labor Caucus of West Virginia Young Democrats worked with the Legislature to introduce and pass a resolution supporting West Virginia Coal Miners. Caucus Chairman Justin Marcum, working with WVYD Secretary Matt Sowards and WVYD 3rd Congressional District Director Chris Hatton wrote the resolution. Delegate Steve Kominar presented the resolution. The West Virginia Senate unanimously passed the resolution.