Healing. Hope. Recovery.

These are the words that could be used to describe words said at Friday’s “We Remember: A Reception of Recognition and Recovery” event at the Storm Dome on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).

Many organizations helped make the event possible, and there seemed to be flood of people recognized for their efforts in relief and recovery from the devastating March 1, 2007 tornado: Law enforcement, Red Cross volunteers and faith-based initiatives were just a few of the groups named to be recognized that helped rally a community blown away by nature become fortified and shining once again.

On the back page at the bottom of the programs, the following “Remembrance Statement” could be found:

“Throughout this day of Remembrance, Recognition and Recovery, we ask for compassion, comfort and guidance through this difficult time for all citizens that were affected by the devastation and for all fellow Georgians to commemorate the local citizens fortitude and spirit during the rebuilding and recovery efforts. We will see Americus and Sumter County reborn and we will accomplish this through prayer, endurance and heart.”

It was remembered that some lost their homes. Some lost their businesses. Some lost both.

However, some lost the people they loved.

Cathy Wakefiled Dukes, the wife of the late Jerry Dukes who died in the March 1 tornado, said whenever she would start to worry about things, her husband would tell her not to let it get her down.

“Let’s keep our heads up and march on,” she said. She said she prayed that the community can start a healing process to take and take things “one day at a time.”

According to the information about Dukes on the program agenda, he was father, friend, working man and athlete.

“She was full of energy,” said Milton Raven, a relative of the late Carrie Gaines, who also died in the March 1 tornado. “She also made outstanding contributions.”

According to the information about Gaines on the program agenda, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #512, Albany, and she was a member of Mount Zion Webster Missionary Baptist Church.

Of course, the highlight of the event was the attendance of Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, R-Bonaire. In his introduction of the governor, state Sen. George Hooks, D-Americus, called Perdue a man of “unquestionable integrity.” The senator called the governor a personal friend of 20 years.

“I am always shocked by the devastation a tornado wreaks,” Perdue said. He noted that 21 twisters struck Georgia that day, and the disasters brought with them “destruction, fear ... loss.”

“We come in the spirit of remembrance and recognition,” Perdue said.