Thousands of people joined hands for coal

By: Rebekah Pewitt - Email

Updated: Mon 7:39 AM, Aug 13, 2012

BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - People of Eastern Kentucky came together to show their support for the coal industry Saturday, August 11, and they say coal is their way of life.

“All my family on my mom's side is coal miners all my family on my dad's side is coal miners they've done it all their life. That's how we support our families,” said coal miner Randy Cornett.

“We're all effected by coal, because coal is everything to us. It's our community. It’s all we've ever had and it's all we know here,” said organizer Joe Harris.

So to show support, thousands of people joined hands and lined Highway 25E throughout Bell County.

The line started at the Knox and Bell County line and stretched to the Cumberland tunnel.

People came from as far as Virginia, West Virginia and even Pennsylvania to join in the chain of hands.

Thousands showed their support by standing for a struggling industry that means family to them.

Another event like “Hands of Coal Across Bell County,” will be held in Pike County on October 13th.

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