Pa. tree-lighting ceremony honors Chilean miners

    Lighting the state Capitol’s Christmas tree, Gov. Ed Rendell honored three Pennsylvania companies that played key roles in rescuing 33 Chilean miners this fall.Rendell said 2010 was a glum year, with the ongoing recession and other negative news dominating headlines.He said the miners’ dramatic rescue was a welcome diversion,  providing much-needed hope and positive vibes to people around the world.”The didn’t have to wait until Christmas. They didn’t have to wait until Thanksgiving. In fact, they got out  before Halloween, in mid-October,” said Rendell Wednesday. “And these Pennsylvania companies played an extraordinarily important part in what is the best story that happened in this world in 2010.”Somerset-based Center Rock Inc. and Schramm Inc. of Chester County provided equipment used to drill the rescue tunnel. Philadelphia’s Aramark supplied the food rescue workers lowered down to the miners.Chile’s United States Ambassador and Defense Minister attended the ceremony.”The story of being able to help miners trapped, and keep them alive for 69 days with the crucial help of Pennsylvania companies, is one of the stories that has inspired us as a country,” said Arturo Fermandois.

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