Last Thursday, Appalachian Voices, our allies and hundreds of anti-mountaintop removal activists gathered outside the White House to share personal stories of mountaintop removal, express hope for future change, and submit a photo petition signed by 13,500 people calling for an end to mountaintop removal mining once and for all.

Many protesters were brought to tears by the inspiring speeches given by Teri Blanton, Chuck Nelson and Junior Walk, to name a few. Most moving of all was the constant reminder of the late Larry Gibson’s contribution to this fight. This rally was dedicated to him.