By Scott Buttram, publisher
Commentary
TRUSSVILLE –Tuscaloosa, Alabama has seen some glorious moments in history. More, some may say, than her fair share.
The city has played host to U.S. presidents on several occasions. National champions have paraded through her streets with embarrassing frequency.
With the winds of civil rights blowing directly in his face, Tuscaloosa News publisher Buford Boone penned a Pulitzer winning commentary of sanity from the city.
National leaders have risen from humble Druid City beginnings.
But Tuscaloosa’s finest hour, without question, came in the aftermath of the city’s greatest disaster on April 27, 2011.
Just after 4:30 p.m., an F4 tornado utterly gutted the city. Fifty-two people died, over 1,200 were injured, and thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged.
Within minutes, the people of Title Town did the only thing they knew. They rose and they started winning.
Help would come. Fire and police would arrive. Assistance would pour in from every corner of the state and beyond. But in the immediate aftermath, the very first responders were neighbors and strangers. It was just Tuscaloosa helping Tuscaloosa.
After spending the better part of four decades in the city, I can’t emotionally separate myself from home. My family, my friends, my childhood, my memories are forever intertwined with Tuscaloosa.
I’m not to first to understand that you can leave the city, but the city never leaves you.
I’ve seen tornadoes in Tuscaloosa before. Hinton Place, Alberta City, Skyland and McFarland have all been hit in years past. I’ve seen the aftermath.
I have never seen anything to compare to the destruction I saw when I drove into town with supplies three days later. I’ve heard comparisons, analogies, and descriptions. They’re all lacking.
But the destruction that stretched from Rosedale to Holt was not the story. Not then, not now.
The story is the remarkable recovery. Tuscaloosa has roared back with a tenacity that is almost mind numbing. Despite a changed landscape that serves as a constant reminder to those who remember when, the city has never been more beautiful.
April 27 will always be the day that people look back on the terrible disaster, but should also be remembered as the day of an amazing beginning.
It was the day that humanity ruled over nature. It was the day that an entire population rose immediately to their feet and moved forward.
It was Tuscaloosa’s finest hour.
21 Comments
Beth Stewart- Gilbert
Well written Scott!
Robin Lewis Waid
This is beautiful Scott, very well written. Indeed a day and many days after that love overcame hate.
Scott Buttram
Thank you, Beth.
Scott Buttram
Thank you, Robin. It really is an amazing city.
Sharlene Fowler
Awesome job Scott Buttram!!!
Scott Buttram
Thanks, Sharlene!
Angela Bale
Very well written!!! A day we will always remember
Teresa Harkey DeWitt
Very touching article Scott
Scott Buttram
Thank you, Angela.
Scott Buttram
Thanks, Teresa. I know you and Terry feel the same way. T-town will always be home.
Tjo Johnson
Very good article Scott. I know I have so much beyond words to be thankful for remembering back on this day 5 years ago.
Cheryl Smith
Wow!! Well said! Will never forget what I saw!
Ray Hubbard
Thank you for those words. You said it beautifully and succinctly.
Scott Buttram
Thank you, Cheryl.
Scott Buttram
Thanks, Ray.
Martha Junkin
Well said my friend! Thanking God for those of us who were spared and praying for those who lost loved ones. Indeed T TOWN will never be the same but we will always remember the day that WE OVERCAME by working together. SWEET HOME ALABAMA!!!
Scott Buttram
Thanks, Mama Martha!
Martha Junkin
I miss you!!!
Kevin Small
Very well written, powerful stuff, Scott
Julie Palmer
Love this!!! Beautifully written. Had to share. Love you Scott
Terry D Burns
Well done, Scott. Thanks for sharing your thoughts