A steady rain came down on those of us in attendance for the ceremony marking the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” The tribute to veterans, young and old… living and deceased, took place in front of the Veterans Depot Museum next to the railroad tracks in the heart of downtown West Frankfort.
I stepped over to stand next to my dear friend Evelyn and noticed the tears streaming down her face. Her “dear one”, husband Carl Wayne, had passed away last November. I knew she was missing him terribly in that moment, but was also… so very proud of his service to our country.
Looking around at the familiar faces of those in our community standing in front of this historic building with their umbrellas up, one could almost feel the same emotions of those who stood there generations before us. In fact, the scene before us resembled a nearly picture perfect Norman Rockwell painting… except we weren’t just onlookers… we were also writing another chapter of our community’s history with our presence and participation there.
Although I don’t claim to be a historian, I’ve learned over the years through my community involvements about significant events that took place before I was born. I would like to share with you a slightly revised and condensed version of a piece I wrote a few years ago about perhaps the most significant life-changing event in our community’s history… the Orient #2 Mine explosion.
“White Christmas”… what comes to your mind when you hear those words? When I hear that song, I have images of that picture perfect and magical Christmas feeling that many long for…it’s not about snow, but how you feel on the inside… peaceful, warm and secure… surrounded by those you love and who love you… the true “heart” and spirit of Christmas, family and community.
“Black Christmas”…what comes to your mind when you hear those words? Ask anyone who lived in the greater West Frankfort area in December of 1951… December 21, 1951 to be exact… and they will tell you of a different spirit of Christmas that year… one filled with not only tragedy, horror, sorrow and heartache, but one also filled with compassion, hope, faith and love as friends, family, neighbors and strangers reached out to one another in the truest sense of Christmas, family and community spirit.
On December 21, 2001, the City of West Frankfort marked the 50th anniversary of the Orient #2 Mine explosion, perhaps still considered the worst mine explosion tragedy ever in the history of the world. The city council meeting was rescheduled that week to coincide with the date of the historic event in order to properly and respectfully recognize, honor and remember those whose lives were lost as well as those remaining who re-tell the tale that “hit home”… one that will never be forgotten. After attending that 50th anniversary remembrance and listening to the stories from those who were there, I realized that they weren’t just describing the account of that tragic event… they were reliving it and it was as fresh in their minds as the day it occurred… that horrific day when 119 coal miners lost their lives.
Coal miners were also responsible for the birth of the UMW of A Union Hospital. They not only poured their own personal funds into it… they physically helped to build it and then rebuild it when it was destroyed by fire many decades ago. Their very hearts and souls were poured into it as they knew how much it was needed to not only help save the lives of those who chose one of the most dangerous jobs in the world to provide precious energy to fuel our nation, but for their own families and the rest of their community, as well.”
Please take a moment out of your hectic holiday schedule this December 21st to remember those who literally gave their lives to gift us with a legacy of life, hope, family and community. Remember the reason for the season…“and may all your Christmases be white”.
