Obama plans eulogy Sunday for 29 workers killed in W.Va. mine explosion

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Obama to speak Sunday at miners’ memorial

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — President Barack Obama plans to deliver a eulogy for the 29 workers killed inside the Upper Big Branch mine.

Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and other administration officials are scheduled to attend Sunday’s public memorial service in Beckley, W.Va. The president and first lady Michelle Obama will end their weekend getaway in western North Carolina at midday. Obama then flies to West Virginia’s coal country.

The state’s governor, Joe Manchin, says the memorial is a chance to pay respects to the dead and the two miners who were injured.

The April 5 explosion was the nation’s worst coal mine disaster in 40 years.