Henryville marks 1 year since tornado

HENRYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - One year after a devastating tornado hit southern Indiana and the town of Henryville, residents came together Saturday afternoon to reflect on that day and celebrate how far they have come.

13 people lost their lives; the entire community was turned upside down. As one survivor said, because of that day, today we have so much love in this community.

On March 2, 2012, when a massive tornado barreled right towards Henryville, little did people know in the community how much it would bring them closer.

"It broke our heart, but it didn’t break our spirits," said Alice Sorg of Henryville.

On the one-year anniversary of the disaster, residents gathered to remember that day. A day where the town’s landscape changed; a day where lives were turned upside down.

• PHOTOS | Henryville marks 1 year since tornado

"The F4 tornado destroyed many homes, businesses and our school," said one community member.

Outside New Washington Bank, members of the community marked the anniversary with a flag dedication. One flag for our country, one for the healing community.

"When you look at everything that’s happen to a community it’s brought a lot of people closer," said Henryville resident Robert Wardlow

Down US 31, through the heart of town you’d never know the community was still recovering. Residents filled the side of the road to honor some of Henryville’s finest: people who risked their lives to save others.

"The new school and the new houses; everything that they’ve done, you see people you don’t even know come from different states and help you. It’s really moving," Wardlow said.

But through all the sights and sounds of the celebration, there’s still pain as if that tornado hit yesterday. Sorg’s knows what that pain feels like. She escaped the high school before the tornado hit.

"I’m just so happy everybody’s ok. Proud of my community," Sorg said.

• COMPLETE COVERAGE | Henryville tornadoes

A community where Governor Mike Pence said every Hoosier Heart is today. No other place he would rather be.

"Decisions that were made that saved lives in the hallway of this school. We saw good judgment, good leadership we saw courage and then we saw what we always see in Indiana. That is the overwhelming outpouring of support," said Governor Pence.

Residents ended the one year anniversary with a spaghetti supper inside Henryville High School. The event was free with a donation to the school’s scholarship fund.

To see the before and after photos of the devastation and rebuilding in Henryville, see the photo gallery.