Press Release - Holly Tornado Anniversary
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2008
CONTACTS
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
Chris Sorensen, 719.688.0506, chris@kiowaoem.com
GOV. RITTER MARKS SOLEMN ANNIVERSARY OF HOLLY TORNADO
Gov. Bill Ritter today marked the first anniversary of last year's tragic Holly tornado, recognizing the southeast Colorado town for its resiliency and also extending his condolences to the families of those who died.
"One year ago, when I visited Holly after the tornado, there was no mistaking what had occurred. Houses were destroyed. Debris was everywhere. Trees were uprooted – and so were people's lives. Tragedy had struck at the heart of Holly," Gov. Ritter wrote in a letter to the people of Holly. The letter will be read at an anniversary remembrance observance in Holly this evening.
"I will never forget the fierce sense of determination each and every one of you demonstrated in the days, weeks and months after the tornado hit. You banded together to clear the rubble and begin the long, painful journey of recovery, healing and rebuilding your community.
"As you gather here today on this solemn occasion to mark the first anniversary of the tornado, you have much to be proud of. You have shown all of Colorado your true mettle, your resiliency and your can-do attitude. You have inspired us all."
The tornado destroyed 43 homes and damaged 137 others. Seventeen new homes have been built or are under construction, with another 22 being repaired.
Several members of Gov. Ritter's administration will be on hand for today's remembrance observance in Holly, including Department of Local Affairs Executive Director Susan Kirkpatrick, Division of Emergency Management Director Hans Kallam, National Guard Adjutant General Michael Edwards and Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp, a former Prowers County commissioner.
Today's schedule of events:
3 p.m.: News conference with Holly Town Administrator Marsha Willhite and other local and state officials. Location: intersection of Main St. and Highway 50.
5 p.m.: Community dinner at Holly Junior/Senior High School, 206 N. 3rd St.
8 p.m.: Remembrance and Acknowledgement Observance, including a retirement ceremony by the Holly Veterans of Foreign Wars for the flag that was flying at town hall the night the tornado struck. Location: intersection of Main St. and Highway 50. In case of inclement weather, the observance will take place indoors, with the exact location to be determined later today.