Governor Bentley Marks One-Year Anniversary of Deadly Tornado

Press Release

Governor Robert Bentley on Friday, April 27, 2012, will participate in a prayer service to observe the one-year anniversary of the deadly tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, when 253 Alabamians died as 62 long track tornadoes swept across the state. The program will be held at 9:00 a.m. on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery.

"Just seeing the date of April 27 on the calendar conjures up strong emotions among Alabamians," Governor Bentley said. "It is my hope that the memorial events planned across the state next week will bring some comfort to families who lost loved ones and to those who are still on the difficult road to recovery."

An Alabama state flag representing each person killed in the tornadoes will be displayed on the grounds of the Capitol the week of April 23 - April 27.

Governor Bentley will proclaim Friday, April 27, 2012, as a "Day of Remembrance." The proclamation calls for a statewide moment of silence at 4:27 p.m. to honor the memory of those who were killed, and to pay tribute to the thousands of storm survivors.

April 28, 2012, will also be proclaimed a "Day of Service" by Governor Bentley, in which he encourages volunteerism and a continued effort for Alabamians to help their neighbor in need, in honor of the unprecedented volunteer spirit shown since the tornadoes.

Throughout the week, Governor Bentley will also visit some of the hardest hit communities across the state.

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