May 2 declared Miners Memorial Day

May 2, 1972. A tragic day for the Silver Valley as the Sunshine Mine fire took the lives of 91 miners. The day, though still tragic, is now observed as a day of memorial, remembrance and respect. After the passing of bill RS29550/HCR304, the day will now be officially commemorated in the state of Idaho as ‘Miners Memorial Day.’

As stated in the bill’s verbiage, the piece of legislation is an acknowledgement of the contributions and sacrifice of miners, miner families and mine rescue personnel throughout Idaho’s history and the 50th anniversary of the Sunshine Mine fire.

This idea came to fruition last year when a member of the board that preserves the Sunshine Memorial in Big Creek, Peggy White, came up with the idea. Working with fellow board members and memorial site manager Jann Higdem, they eventually made contact with District 7, Idaho state Rep. Priscilla Giddings (R, Whitebird)

“I contacted Jann Higdem and asked if we could get this done before the 50th anniversary, before May 2,” White said. “She knew that they wouldn’t be in session until January, so we prepared for that. Jann knew who she could work with down there, she has been writing bills and she is very experienced.”

Giddings also spoke highly of Higdem and her proactive approach to getting things done.

“Jann Higdem took the bull by the horns. She’s very active in the legislative process. I appreciate her, for her efforts and charge, and bringing this all together.”

Higdem worked on drafting the language for the bill, while also working with Ben Davenport of the Idaho Mining Association and worked on a couple of edits.

“I’m glad that we can now have ‘Miners’ Memorial Day’ in perpetuity,” Higdem said.

The bill was first introduced to the Idaho House on Feb. 14 and read for the first time. Giddings later read through the bill on Feb. 23.

“This will commemorate and formally acknowledge the loss of all of Idaho's fallen miners, their families and members of mine rescue.” Giddings read.

“If you find yourself to be in North Idaho on May 2, I would encourage you to stop by for the memorial (ceremony).”

The memorial itself shows a 13-foot-tall miner with a glowing headlamp and currently stands behind 91 miniature tombstones, one for each miner who died in the smoky and disastrous fire.

The board members are working hard to continue to preserve the memorial, by making repairs to the walkway, and trying to complete an area for headstones of other miners killed in underground mining accidents in the CDA mining district.

Sunshine Mine Manager Tom Henderson said he is excited about the news and is happy the day will be recognized statewide.