Schweiker: Quecreek a 'miracle worth sharing.'

Former Gov. Mark Schweiker said he wasn’t optimistic that the nine trapped Quecreek miners would be rescued alive, but that didn’t matter. 

What did matter was that volunteers and rescue workers never gave up.

“We were only confident that we were doing everything in our power to bring them home,” Schweiker told a crowd gathered at Hidden Valley Resort Friday night. “How successful were we? Ask the nine miners.”

Schweiker and other local leaders, representatives and residents shared their memories Friday of the improbable rescue that captured the nation 10 years ago today. On July 28, 2002, nine miners — trapped for 78 hours and 240 feet underground — were reunited with their loved ones.

“It wasn’t just the lives of those nine miners that changed that day, we were all changed,” Schweiker said. “(Mine rescues) simply did not happen, and it happened here in your community. It’s a miracle worth celebrating. It’s a miracle worth sharing with the world.” 

Friday night’s dinner, held to support the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation, was an emotional one for those in attendance.

Bill Arnold, who along with his wife Lori founded the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation, was brought to tears while sharing his memories of the event. The Arnolds own the Dormel Farms which was located directly above where the miners were trapped. Their property became headquarters for rescue workers.

“We could be here talking about the nine men who died that day,” he said. “And instead we’re celebrating life.”

Schweiker and others recalled their feelings of loss and tragedy caused by the Flight 93 crash and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Little did they know that the national spotlight would return to Somerset County in less than a year.

“I could’ve never imagined I would have a role in both,” said Schweiker, who served as Lt. Governor under Gov. Tom Ridge in 2001 before assuming command of the office. “All died (on Flight 93) and 11 months later, all lived.”