Join Woodlawn Cemetery in honoring the life and legacy of Edwardsville coal miner E. Fred Long during a special Labor Day Tribute. Long was just 19 years old when he lost his life in the Battle of Virden on October 12, 1898, a pivotal event in Illinois labor history that helped shape the labor laws Americans know today.

This free, public event will feature a procession of miners, members of the Union Miners Cemetery in Mt. Olive, Illinois, remarks from Mother Jones, traditional labor songs, and the unveiling of a historic plaque honoring Fred. The plaque was made possible through the generosity of the Mythic Mississippi Project.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Accessibility: The tribute will be held graveside on flat terrain, just a short distance from the front chapel along a straight, well-maintained grassy path.

Parking: Street parking is available near the cemetery entrance and on adjacent streets. A passenger drop-off area is also available at the front entrance.