Congressman Robert Aderholt – Alabama District 4 (R)
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released a statement on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak.
“It is hard to imagine that is has already been five years since that dark day in our state’s history. Having been traveling in the 4th District that day, I was able to see first-hand the destruction that took place. Quite honestly, I didn’t know where the next tornado was going to touchdown.
“I will never forget the outpouring of support that came from across our state and from our neighbors in Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee. Within minutes of a storm’s passing, people were already coming to the aid of those in need. When widespread power outages meant people had to start cooking and grilling the foods in their freezers, they didn’t think about keeping it for themselves, they instead shared it with neighbors, first responders and people they had never met.
“Five years later, while many of the physical scars have healed, homes have been rebuilt and businesses have reopened, the emotional scars remain. 249 people died across Alabama with half of those deaths occurring inside the 4th District.
“We have put together a video which lists the names of all those who died in the 4th District that day. We felt it was important to list each name because those who died that day were more than a number at the end of a ledger. They were mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors and they meant so much to so many. I encourage everyone to continue to pray for those who lost loved ones and to remember them on this anniversary.”
The flowers seen at the end of the video were actually planted by one of the tornado victims, Ann Hallmark of Arab. They continue to bloom each spring.
