October 15, 2024
On October 13, 2024, the small town of Mt. Olive, Illinois, came alive with pride and reflection as it marked the 125th anniversary of the Union Miners’ Cemetery, a sacred ground for the labor movement. The event, which attracted union members and supporters from across the region, was a poignant reminder of the town’s central role in American labor history. The day was filled with a series of meaningful activities that blended celebration with commemoration. The festivities included a short parade featuring local unions and community organizations, musical performances by local bands, and a free meal provided to all attendees, fostering a deep sense of community and shared purpose.
Cecil E. Roberts, International President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), delivered a stirring keynote address at the foot of the towering Mother Jones monument. His speech, fiery and passionate, connected the struggles of past labor leaders to the challenges faced by workers today. “Don’t tell me the blood of Mother Jones, and John L. Lewis, and all those great leaders don’t flow through your veins. I know it does,” Roberts said. Roberts reminded those in attendance of the importance of solidarity and the critical role unions continue to play in defending workers’ rights.
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
The Union Miners’ Cemetery, founded in 1899, is more than just a final resting place. It stands as a powerful symbol of labor solidarity and perseverance. At the time of its creation, it was the only union-owned cemetery in the nation and is now the resting place of Mary “Mother” Jones, one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. Mother Jones dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of miners and other workers, organizing countless strikes and rallies to demand fair wages and safe working conditions. Her tombstone in Mt. Olive has become a pilgrimage site for those committed to the labor movement and the fight for justice.
Steve Earle, District 12 Vice President of the UMWA, also took the stage, adding his voice to the rallying cry for worker unity. Earle, who has spent decades advocating for miners and laborers across the Midwest, reminded the crowd of the vital role that unions have played not just in the past, but in shaping the future of the American workforce. He echoed Roberts’ sentiments, emphasizing the need for continued collective action in the face of modern threats to workers’ rights, including the decline of union membership, corporate pushback, and political challenges.
The event drew not only miners and their families but also a wide range of union representatives, showing the strength of the broader labor movement. Members of the United Steelworkers (USW), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and the Illinois AFL-CIO were all present, reflecting the shared struggles and triumphs that bind the labor movement together. These unions, though representing different sectors of the workforce, stood in solidarity with the UMWA, recognizing the common fight for fair treatment, dignity, and rights for all workers.
As the day unfolded, the gathering at Mt. Olive became more than just a commemoration of the past—it was a call to action for the future. In a time when many workers face precarious employment, unsafe conditions, and dwindling benefits, the words of the speakers, including Roberts and Earle, resonated deeply. They reminded the attendees that the fight for workers’ rights is far from over and that it is the responsibility of every generation to carry the torch forward.
The 125th anniversary of the Union Miners’ Cemetery was not just a celebration of a historic milestone, but a reminder of the enduring strength and unity of the labor movement. As the event concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the legacies of Mother Jones, John L. Lewis, and the countless other labor leaders who fought for a better future. The spirit of solidarity that filled the air in Mt. Olive was a testament to the enduring power of collective action, a power that continues to shape the lives of workers across the nation.
“It’s more than history; it’s a reminder that we’re all still in this together,” said Hary Higgerson, UMWA Local Union 2161 member. This sentiment captured the heart of the event, as the legacy of the past fueled the hope for a stronger, united labor movement in the years to come.
