WEST FRANKFORT (WSIL) -- It's been nearly 70 years since the Orient No. 2 coal mine explosion killed 119 miners in West Frankfort, but community members say the lives lost will never be forgotten. One organizer of the Old King Coal Festival placed a wreath at the new monument dedicated to the men who died from that tragedy on this date in 1951. Larry Morris worked 43 years as a coal miner and says he remembers that day well and was close to some of the victims. "I have one name on here that a real good friend of mine's father passed in this and that's one reason this is pretty dear to me," he said.