The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration announced that it is recognizing Oct. 30 as national Mine Rescue Day.

The date was selected because of its historic significance. On Oct. 30, 1911, the first national mine rescue demonstration was held in the United States. It was organized by Dr. Joseph A. Holmes who, in 1910, was appointed as the first director of the U.S. Bureau of Mines by President William Howard Taft. The announcement came during the first meeting of the newly established Holmes Mine Rescue Association, held Oct. 29 and 30 at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, WW. The HMRA was created within the Holmes Safety Association at its annual meeting in June to provide a national mine response structure to better support and guide mine emergency response.

“To promote the importance of mine rescue teams and recognize the sacrifices made by team members and others who have responded to help miners in need during mine emergencies, I urge the mining community to recognize Oct. 30 as Mine Rescue Day; a day set aside to acknowledge and celebrate the courageous mine rescuers – past and present – who put their lives on the line to save other miners,” said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. “These individuals represent the best of America.”
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