WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVNS) – As West Virginians look back at the disaster which took the lives of 29 coal miners in Raleigh County, those who have led the state are also remembering the anniversary of the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine. Here is what they had to say:

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV):

“Nine years ago today, we lost 29 miners in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. This event was a complete tragedy for not only the miners’ who lost their lives and their families but for the entire state of West Virginia. I have always said that the death of one miner on the job is too many. Since my time as Governor, I have been dedicated to improving safety conditions in our mines, so that tragedies like these and others, never happen again. I hope today that every West Virginian will remember the 29 miners that died that day and pray for their families.”