NITRO, W.Va. — The West Virginia Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America honored U.S. military servicemen and women during an event Saturday in Nitro.
Cecil Roberts, international president of the United Mine Workers of America, was the keynote speaker. Roberts, a Vietnam War veteran, spoke about the importance of honoring veterans for serving their country.
“Those 58,000 plus soldiers on that wall, they died heroes and their families paid the ultimate sacrifice. We know there was a time where Vietnam vets weren’t treated the best but now, I think people are making a 100 percent effort here to rectify that,” Roberts said.
The city of Nitro is the home of the West Virginia Vietnam War Memorial, located in the nearby Nitro History & Wars Museum. Roberts said it’s appropriate to have the memorial in Nitro where veterans are respected.
“I think something like this memorial needs to be here because the people in this city want it here. They will honor it, they will protect it and they will see that it’s taken care of,” he said.
The event featured several speakers throughout the day. Representatives from the West Virginia Veterans Administration were also on hand to answer eligibility and benefit questions from veterans attending the event.
Roberts shared a personal story from his family.
“One of my favorite pictures in our family is a picture of my dad, his brother Arnold, and his brother Willard in their Navy uniforms going off to World War II hanging in what used to be my mother’s home, which is now my sister’s home,” he said. “That’s a picture I’m so proud of.”
Saturday’s event took place in the Nitro Living Memorial Park.
In recent months opponents of a proposed privately owned landfill have appeared at various government meetings wearing camouflage shirts. The shirts are designed similarly to those worn by union coal miners and their supporters during the 1989 strike against Pittston Coal Company.
Last week the symbolic link between the two efforts became literal as the United Mine Workers of America announced their opposition to Russell County Reclamation’s proposed landfill that would be placed at the old Moss 3 site.
“It has come to my attention that Russell County is considering the establishment of a landfill on the grounds of the old Moss 3 Mine,” said UMWA President Cecil E. Roberts. “For anyone acquainted with the profound history of the United Mine Workers, the Moss 3 Preparation Plant was a pivotal site in the Pittston Coal Strike of 1989. A strike, I believe, marked a turning point in the fight for workers’ rights in America.”
On April 5, 1989, union workers began a strike against Pittston to preserve their healthcare and retirement benefits. After five grueling months, contract talks were at a stalemate. That is when union officials made a massive gamble.
On September 17, 99 striking miners and one minister took over the Moss 3 Prep Plant. Outside, an estimated 1,300 miners and their supporters surrounded the plant.
“The Moss 3 Preparation Plant witnessed a four-day takeover by UMWA members during the strike, a bold move that galvanized the labor movement across the country,” Roberts explained.
“Local community members formed a human shield around the plant, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the cause and embodying the spirit of solidarity. Just a short distance away was ‘Camp Solidarity,’ housing over 1,000 supporters who provided shelter and sustenance for strikers and visitors.”
Roberts added, “The lessons of this historic strike, particularly the Moss 3 takeover, extend far beyond the borders of southwest Virginia. It is etched into the broader labor movement’s narrative, serving as an example of unity and resilience. This strike, marked by its length and the sheer magnitude of civil disobedience, set a modern template for protecting the rights of working families across the world.”
When local attorney Brandi Hurley learned where the proposed landfill would be placed, she saw it as an insult to the site’s legacy.
“When I found out this landfill would be going in the Moss 3 site, I immediately thought of the legacy of Mr. Cecil Roberts and Mr. Jackie Stump,” she said. “They battled immense odds to ensure healthcare and retirement benefits would continue for Southwest Virginia workers at this very site. Their battle led to national legislation guaranteeing coal workers healthcare and retirement benefits.”She added, “Placing a landfill on this site is a snub to not only those surviving workers but Russell County’s proud labor heritage.”
Hurley thought if union officials learned of the proposal, they would want to be a part of the effort to block the landfill. With the help of veterans of the Pittston strike, she made contact with the union.
Her assumption about the union’s reaction was correct.
“To even contemplate placing a landfill on this historic site is not only disrespectful to UMWA’s legacy and the labor movement but an outright travesty against the community that rallied during the strike to safeguard their families’ well-being,” Roberts said. “We adamantly oppose the Moss 3 Landfill, and we call upon every member of our community to stand firm in saying NO to this outrageous proposal. Join us in preserving the sanctity of our history and the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for workers’ rights.”
Dr. Amy Branson, one of the leading opponents of the landfill, welcomes the UMWA’s presence. “We are so thankful for the UMWA’s support in fighting the injustices in our community,” she said. “We look forward to working with them to stop this landfill project. It is not a done deal. In solidarity!”
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — On March 16, 1940, 72 men lost their lives during the Willow Grove Mine explosion.
Today, many people gathered to honor the fallen men as well as the families that were affected by their loss.
In March 2020, a memorial stone and statue were installed in Willow Grove, as well as a bell that previously belonged to the Sacred Hearts Church.
The bell was said to have rung the day of the incident.
Michael Payton, District 31 Vice President, says that the memorial is all about honoring the men who died, and it’s important to never forget what happened.
“We know the risks but the reward to provide and take care of your family and provide for your community, that’s something that we’re really proud of that we can do.”
Michael Payton, District 31 Vice President
“If you kissed your husband goodbye that day or you told daddy ‘I’ll see you later’, or if your mom called you and you didn’t come back – all those people suffered. It wasn’t just 72 people; it was hundreds of people that suffered in this tragic loss.”
Ray Wright, 3rd generation coal miner and contributor to the memorial
Ray Wright says that the explosion has had a lasting effect in the community that has spanned decades. This memorial serves as a way to remember the fallen and reminds us of the dangers that miners face every day when entering the mines.
Members can learn how to save up to $10 per line per month on the AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL plan, plus receive up to $50 in waived activation and upgrade fees.†
*Req’s AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL and proof of eligibility. Credit(s) w/in 2 bill cycles. $10/mo. per phone line discount applies to accounts with 5 lines or less. Compatible device for 5G and AT&T ActiveArmor App access. Download of App req’d. Some mobile security features are not avail. while roaming internationally. 5G coverage is not avail. everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou. After 60GB, speeds slowed to the max. 128kbps. Coverage and data speeds vary. Int’l usage should not exceed Domestic. Add’l charges, usage, speed & other restrictions apply.
Wireless benefits that work as hard as you do:
Save money every month
No activation fee
Accessory discounts
Get discounts on qualified AT&T wireless plans.
When you order a phone, tablet, or smartwatch, your activation fees are waived!
Save 20% on eligible accessories.‡
Enroll today to get your AT&T discounts
Enroll Online
Enroll In an AT&T Store
Sign in to your union account to verify your membership here.
New AT&T Customers: You’ll be linked back to att.com and automatically enrolled after your online purchase.
Existing AT&T Customers: You’ll be able to enroll and can start enjoying benefits.
Visit your nearest AT&T store or authorized AT&T retailer. Find a store below.
Show your Union ID or proof of Union membership and mention code 3508840 to an in-store expert.
They will help you enroll and answer your questions.
Brother Phil Wallace’s dedication to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) spans several years, marking him as a committed Associate Member of the union. His journey in the labor movement is intertwined with his extensive experience in the printing industry, where he has dedicated an impressive 47 years of service. Currently at the helm of Ohio Valley Printing Company in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio, Brother Wallace’s professional background in printing has not only contributed to his success but has also become a valuable asset in supporting the UMWA and District 31.
“Over the years, Phil has produced materials for the UMWA and District 31,” said District 31 Vice President Michael Payton. “He is a huge support for Local Union 1304 and his neighboring local union brothers and sisters.” His unwavering support extends beyond organizational boundaries, encompassing the broader community of local union brothers and sisters who rely on his advocacy and dedication.
Beyond his professional and union affiliations, Brother Wallace’s public service extends to his past role as the Mayor of Martin’s Ferry. Despite transitioning from this position, his commitment to community and labor remains steadfast, as evidenced by his continued active involvement in local union politics. Presently serving as the Head of the Democratic Party in Belmont County, Brother Wallace has seamlessly blended his civic and union responsibilities, showcasing a multifaceted commitment to both political and labor causes.
In summary, Brother Phil Wallace emerges as a seasoned individual whose contributions span the realms of business, labor, and politics. His legacy as an Associate Member of the UMWA is not only marked by years of service but also by a deep-seated commitment to the betterment of his community and the causes he champions.
Shop union-made cars this Presidents’ Day with the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. Search and compare new or used vehicles from popular brands to find a car that fits your budget and lifestyle. Plus, don’t miss your union-member benefits:
Ready to sell your car? Get a cash offer from a local dealer in minutes.
$100 rebate on new union-made cars*
Remote paperwork and vehicle delivery options available
Get up to $2,000 in Auto Repair and Auto Deductible Reimbursements**
Disclaimer: *If you purchase a new, qualifying union-assembled vehicle, you will receive a gift card for $100 within 6 to 8 weeks after purchase. (The gift cards come from Union Plus and not from the dealer). Union Plus receives a monthly report on the sales activity from the program provider to verify that a gift card should be sent to a member who purchased a qualifying vehicle. This process is automatic, there are no forms to complete. Keep a copy of your Union Plus Auto Buying referral email that can assist in researching your purchase if you think you qualified for a rebate but did not receive a gift card.
**Some benefits not available in NY or NH. Terms and conditions apply. Auto Deductible Reimbursement is provided by Voyager Indemnity Insurance Company, an Assurant company.
