BECKLEY — Seating is free but limited for Sunday’s memorial service honoring the 29 victims of the Upper Big Branch mine explosion, and no one can get in to hear President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden deliver eulogies at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention center without a ticket.

Gov. Joe Manchin’s office emphasized Thursday that while no charge is being imposed for the memorial service, the public must get a ticket at either Tamarack near the Beckley exit of the Turnpike, or the information desk of the West Virginia Culture Center at the Capitol complex.

Attendees may start picking up tickets at both locations at 9 a.m. Saturday on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to two per person. Anyone with a question may call 1-800-CALL-WVA.

Steps are being taken to discourage any kind of demonstration, since Manchin’s announcement stressed that signs and banners are being disallowed.

“For security reasons,” the governor’s staff also cautioned, “do not bring bags, and limit personal items.”

Anyone unable to attend can follow the 90-minute event live on a number of television and radio stations.

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Manchin joined Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, along with students and leaders of Glenville State College, in planting 29 trees, symbolizing the Upper Big Branch victims, in a ceremony Thursday at Yeager Airport. In a valley below the main runway, Delegates Nancy Guthrie and Meshea Poore, both D-Kanawha, planted other trees and some flowers.

“Someone once said the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago,” Manchin said.

“The next best time to plant a tree is today. And as we plant these trees, we should say a little prayer for the coal miners in this state who have helped the United States become the greatest industrial nation in the world.”

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In another post-disaster development, the board of Massey Energy, parent firm of Performance Coal Co., which operated the ill-fated mine in the Raleigh County community of Montcoal, gave CEO Don Blankenship a vote of confidence Thursday.

Under fire since a massive April 5 explosion rattled the huge mine complex in the worst mining disaster in four decades, Blankenship has faced pressure from some within Massey’s corporate ranks to resign.

“During times like these, a change in senior management is not appropriate, or in the best interest of our members and shareholders,” said Bobby Inman, lead independent director of the board.

“Therefore, we want to emphasize that Don Blankenship has the full support and confidence of the Massey Energy board of directors.”

Blankenship plans to meet with reporters in his first news conference since the tragedy in a 9:30 a.m. Monday appearance at the Charleston Civic Center.

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com