SANTIAGO - Chilean President Sebastian Pinera Thursday said the rescue of the 33 miners trapped underground for 69 days in a copper mine one year ago was an example of national unity.

"The lesson the miners gave us was that with hope, faith and unity we are able to face all the adversities," Pinera told an event to mark the rescue's anniversary in the northern city of Copiapo, where the accident took place.

A sober religious ceremony was held at the event with the presence of 20 of the 33 rescued miners.

The president's call for unity came at a time of growing social unrest in Chile due to continued mass protests of students that plagued the South American nation for five months and led to violent clashes between police and protesters.