Tuesday, May 25, 1999
Group wants tornado memorial
Meeting tonight will hear idea
BY MARIE McCAIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONTGOMERY — Sometimes tragedy needs to be remembered, if for no other reason than the goodness it inspired.
That's how organizers of a newly formed committee plan to approach tonight's discussion about a potential memori al commemorating the April 9 tornado, which killed four people, injured more than 40 and damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes.
Those affected by the disaster, as well as municipal officials, volunteers and others who helped in the recovery efforts, will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Montgomery Presbyterian Church, 9994 ZigZag Road.
“I have no preconceived notions of what form a memorial should take,” said Norwood School District Superintendent Garth Errington Monday.
“It just seems to me we should have something in place so future generations can look at it and remember the morning of how everyone pulled together,” he said.
Mr. Errington is one of the organizers of tonight's meeting along with the Rev. George Hupp, pastor of the Montgomery church.
“Despite the tragedy, it was northern Cincinnati's finest hour because people came together from everywhere, disregarding all kinds of boundaries ... working together side by side,” Mr. Errington said.
He also said that a memorial would also pay homage to the four people who were killed.
He said he has looked at several memorials, including the tornado memorial erected in Xenia commemorating the 1974 twister that devastated that area and claimed 33 lives.
Both Mr. Errington and the Rev. Mr. Hupp, whose Glennmill Court house was destroyed, agree it is good to remember the April 9 tornado.
“I still get choked up,” the minister said. “The grace, the goodness, the kindness, the outpouring of care. ... I suppose those who haven't been there have difficulty understanding why (the tornado should be remembered).”
“To say that it's life-changing ... words can't express the depth of feeling for all who participated (in recovery efforts) the firefighters, police, business, volunteers, everyone who helped — while inadequate, we want to do something to say "Thank you.'”
About $3,000 has been donated toward creation of a memorial by the Rotary Clubs of Montgomery/Blue Ash and Mason/Deerfield.
For information about tonight's meeting, call 469-7095.
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