Workers’ Memorial Day: National Workers Memorial Unveiled

April 28, 2010
After a year of construction, the new National Workers Memorial in Silver Spring, Md., will be unveiled on April 28, Workers’ Memorial Day. In addition to remembering the more than 5,000 U.S. workers who die on the job each year, this ceremony will pay special tribute to victims of the mining tragedy in Montcoal, W.Va., and the Tesoro refinery explosion in Anacortes, Wash.

The ceremony will feature OSHA Administrator David Michaels; Liz Shuler, secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO; and United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) President Cecil Roberts. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. ET at the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Md.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of miners in West Virginia,” said Dr. Paula Peinovich, president of the National Labor College. “Sadly, thousands of workers lose their lives in American workplaces each year. The National Labor College will honor these men and women on Workers’ Memorial Day – and join with U.S. labor movement in advocating for better working conditions to prevent future tragedies.”

The ceremony will include the unveiling of the National Workers Memorial, a new monument to fallen workers. The Memorial features granite benches and bricks placed by family members and union brothers and sisters in honor of those who lost their lives on the job.

Workers’ Memorial Day, observed in the United States and Canada and around the world, is an international day of mourning in honor of workers who have lost their lives on the job. The National Workers Memorial will honor thousands of workers who were the victims of workplace accidents in transportation, construction, manufacturing and other industries.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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