Pence: Every Hoosier's heart was in Henryville today

HENRYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Saturday afternoon hundreds of people gathered in Clark County to remember the one year anniversary of the Southern Indiana tornado that hit the town of Henryville.

Families are still trying to rebuild their lives when all around them are images that show the devastation of that tornado. Saturday was a big sign that this community has come a long way.

They are images many of us will not forget. Homes destroyed, vehicles overturned and landscape ripped apart by a tornado. This is Henryville. You’d never know people lived through it.

“I’m just proud of the community of how they handled it and the positive things that have come about,” said Henryville High School Principal Troy Albert.

• PHOTOS | Henryville marks one year since tornado

Saturday marked the one year anniversary of the March 2, 2012 tornado. Survivors gathered to reflect, celebrate and honor the countless people who helped the community. They also remembered those who lost their lives

“Today, we mourn with those who mourn and grieve with those who grieve,” said Governor Mike Pence.

Governor Pence spoke to residents inside Henryville High School. The building was one of many structures in town badly damaged or destroyed.

“Every Hoosiers Heart was in Henryville today, and your governor would be nowhere else,” Governor Pence said.

Stephanie Decker is a survivor.

“On the year anniversary, I think everybody has a little bit of a mixed emotion. For us, it’s a good day. I mean it really is,” she said.

Decker lost her legs after shielding her two children from the tornado and saved their lives.

“I did what I think most moms or dads would do. Really. It’s just, when it comes to your kids it’s an instinct,” she said.

• PHOTOS | Tornado aftermath: Then and now

When it comes to Henryville, the community speaks volumes.

“I've met a lot of people I didn't know existed as far as the help that you get. You think a lot of people are selfish until a torndao. It's really touch my heart,” said Robert Wardlow of Henryville.

Because perseverance is what they know best.

“It broke our heart, but it didn’t break our spirits,” said Alice Sorg.

One survivor said because of that day, today, March 2, 2013, there’s so much love in this community.