A Memorial in the Works

I learned today a total of around 1,100 miners lost their lives in our state while plying their trade.

My friends at the Black Diamond Historical Society and Museum have undertaken a $100,000 project to build a memorial site, honoring these men who sacrificed their lives to keep the power flowing or the heat in homes.  They're about half way to their goal!

Keith Watson, the president of the Historical Society shows me the spot where the plan is to fill the area with a bronze statue of a miner, which is now being made in Ellensburg, surronded by 'pavers' with the names and messages of those who donate $100 for the project.  Keith says a granite wall will be inscribed with the names of all the men who lost their lives in Washington's mines.

It's a beautiful and peaceful spot.  A fitting tribute to the men who had what it took to go deep within the earth for coal.

Here is the artists rendering of the Coal Miners Honor Garden once it's finished.

Also appropriate that it be located in the town called Black Diamond.