WACO, Texas — The City of Waco held a remembrance ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1953 Waco Tornado at the memorial on North 4th Street and Austin Avenue on Thursday, May 11.
Waco Mayor Dillon Meek began the ceremony by reflecting on the disaster and how on May 11, 1953, the deadly F5 tornado injured 600 people and killed 114.
It destroyed the foundation of the city as wind speeds are believed to have been in excess of 300 miles per hour, creating one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.
"The aftermath of this deadly storm left our city in disarray with damages exceeding eight-hundred million dollars and the scars it left on our landscape and in the hearts of our people are deep and enduring," said Meek.
Despite these terrible circumstances, the City of Waco banded together in order to restore and rebuild what was once a thriving community. Residents refused to let this disaster define them.
"Waco's story is one of resilience, renewal and a community that can come back stronger than ever no matter what happens," Meek added.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a wreath was placed by the memorial and councilmembers presented flowers to honor the 114 lost in the tornado.
The City of Waco says that flowers will be available for the public throughout the day, so that anyone can come and pay their respects.
To view more information on this infamous disaster, visit here.