Mining communities across Nova Scotia pause today, June 11, to remember miners who died on the job in this province.

Miners' Memorial Day began as Davis Day, in memory of Bill Davis, a striking Cape Breton coal miner who was killed in 1925 during a protest. The day has become a remembrance for all mine workers killed in Nova Scotia.

The 1925 protest occurred near New Waterford after the mining company cut off the water and electric supply during a long and bitter miners' strike. Residents marched on the pumping station at Waterford Lake demanding that the utilities be restored. During a confrontation with armed company police, shots were fired and Davis was killed.

Ceremonies to commemorate this historic event are being held today in New Waterford, Springhill, and Joggins.

For more history on Miners’ Memorial Day, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Day.