Genie Collins
AMERICUS — Healing. Hope. Recovery.
These are the words that could be used to describe words said at Friday’s “We Remember: A Reception of Recognition and Recovery” event at the Storm Dome on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).
Many organizations helped make the event possible, and there seemed to be flood of people recognized for their efforts in relief and recovery from the devastating March 1, 2007 tornado: Law enforcement, Red Cross volunteers and faith-based initiatives were just a few of the groups named to be recognized that helped rally a community blown away by nature become fortified and shining once again.
On the back page at the bottom of the programs, the following “Remembrance Statement” could be found:
“Throughout this day of Remembrance, Recognition and Recovery, we ask for compassion, comfort and guidance through this difficult time for all citizens that were affected by the devastation and for all fellow Georgians to commemorate the local citizens fortitude and spirit during the rebuilding and recovery efforts. We will see Americus and Sumter County reborn and we will accomplish this through prayer, endurance and heart.”
It was remembered that some lost their homes. Some lost their businesses. Some lost both.
However, some lost the people they loved.
Cathy Wakefiled Dukes, the wife of the late Jerry Dukes who died in the March 1 tornado, said whenever she would start to worry about things, her husband would tell her not to let it get her down.
“Let’s keep our heads up and march on,” she said. She said she prayed that the community can start a healing process to take and take things “one day at a time.”
According to the information about Dukes on the program agenda, he was father, friend, working man and athlete.
“She was full of energy,” said Milton Raven, a relative of the late Carrie Gaines, who also died in the March 1 tornado. “She also made outstanding contributions.”
According to the information about Gaines on the program agenda, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #512, Albany, and she was a member of Mount Zion Webster Missionary Baptist Church.
Of course, the highlight of the event was the attendance of Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, R-Bonaire. In his introduction of the governor, state Sen. George Hooks, D-Americus, called Perdue a man of “unquestionable integrity.” The senator called the governor a personal friend of 20 years.
“I am always shocked by the devastation a tornado wreaks,” Perdue said. He noted that 21 twisters struck Georgia that day, and the disasters brought with them “destruction, fear ... loss.”
“We come in the spirit of remembrance and recognition,” Perdue said.
The governor said he was grateful to be back in Sumter County a year later and that the rest of the state has not forgotten the community devastated by the March 1 tornado.
“We’ve already seen amazing community support,” he said. “I believe Americus and Sumter County will stand as a shining example.”
He said the spirit of the community could be seen rising above the pain inflicted by the tornadoes.
Perdue remembered a tornado that hit Warner Robins in 1954, when he was a young boy. He said he remembers the funnel cloud and the devastation the storm left.
Following Perdue’s speech, state Rep. Mike Cheokas, D-Americus, said Perdue “marshaled all resources the state had to help the communities devastated by the tornado.”
Americus Mayor Barry Blount said some good things came from the tornado, including the fact the community will get a new 21st century state-of-the-art hospital. Another positive that came from the devastation the many individual blessings.
“We are proud of this community,” said Al Hurley, a member of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners. “We are proud of all who made recovery what it is today.”
During his time at the podium, Sumter Regional President and CEO David Seagraves noted the many agencies that came to the hospital’s aid, after the physical structure formed into shambles by the March 1 tornado.
“They didn’t just provide moral support, but physical support, as well,” Seagraves said. He noted that other hospitals reached out to Sumter Regional’s physicians, giving them a place to practice their trades.
Len Hicks, chairman of the board of directors for the Middle Flint Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC), said although the physical structure of the agency suffered damage, the organization was able to respond and serve the community “like never before.”
“The disaster was bad, but through recovery, I’ve seen the good ... best of our community,” Hicks said.
Hicks then presented Blount with a T-shirt from Saturday’s Recovery Celebration.
Bill McGowan was representing the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and he said the committee had a planning session only days before the March 1 tornado.
Jim McIlrath, chairman of the Sumter Disaster Recovery (SDR) Board of Directors said that when a natural disaster strikes, faith-based response organizations “would be the first on the scene and the last to leave.” He said that concept has played out in the case of the March 1 tornado.
“When the tornado hit, people called their preachers wanting to know why,” McIlrath said.
He said that SDR has been urged to stay in existence to be able to serve the community “when” another natural disaster strikes.
He recognized Gayle Alston with the Rosalynn Carter Institute, as well as SDR’s two employees, Jody Wade and Albert Cooper. McIlrath also introduced the Sumter County community to Doug and Rosemary Bruder of Wisconsin, who came to town for recovery efforts and the ceremony.
“I am very proud to be a part of Americus and Sumter County,” said Ramona Price with Project C.A.R.E./Middle Flint Behavioral Health Care. She told the audience there would be trees available for planting for the regreening of the community, and she also noted the “remembrance wall,” for remembering and thanking.
After the colors were retired, a reception was held for all in attendance. Food was provided by the Junior Service League.
