On July 28, 2002, nine coal miners, trapped for four days due to flooding of the Quecreek Mine, were saved via a rescue shaft drilled here. Combined efforts of local, state, and federal agencies, mining and other industries, local mine workers, emergency responders, and community members led to the rescue. The incident prompted changes in mine safety, mapping, and drilling methods. It roused national media & public attention.
Monument for Life
The symbol of the red oak, here, is of course, faith. The 9 evergreens are to represent miners, but in a larger sense, all of us. We all must sometimes bind ourselves together as "the nine" did when the leaves of faith have fallen like that of the oak in autumn. When we long for the shelter of the oak to protect us from the cold and dark, we must realize that in the coldest winter of our lives, or the darkest mine, when there seems to be no life in the oak His roots run deep. His limbs outstretched - calling us to Him. And in His shadow, we will all be reborn in spring.
The Arnold Family