(WKYT) – One year after an EF-4 tornado devastated southern Kentucky, killing 19 people and damaging hundreds of homes, a remembrance ceremony was held Saturday in Laurel County.
State and local leaders joined dozens of community members at Wyan-Pine Grove Elementary School in London to honor the lives lost and those who survived the deadly storm.
“My first thought was, ‘I’m going to die,’” one survivor said.
“We’re definitely not who we were. I don’t think anyone is,” another said.
Survivors shared stories of living through the tornado and the community response that followed.
Megan VanHook, who lost her home on Philpot Road, described the aftermath.
“Constant outpouring of help from strangers, from people in the community. If people held on to that kindness, the world would be a little bit brighter all the time,” VanHook said.
The ceremony also honored first responders, who received several standing ovations.
Martha Feichter, who was trapped under debris for nearly an hour the night of the tornado, recognized the first responder who saved her life.
“I will always be thankful for this community, and Chantz, would you come stand by me? Chantz was the one who actually pulled me out of the rubble,” Feichter said.
Rocky Adkins, senior advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, said the community has shown resilience.
“Its now how you get knocked down… its how you get back up, and this community has gotten flat back on its feet,” Adkins said.
Walmart representatives attended the ceremony and previewed a plant donation project planned for later this month to bring beauty to hard-hit communities.