Mike Smith, meteorologist at Weather Data Inc. in Wichita will be the featured speaker at the tornado memorial service in El Dorado on Friday, June 10, 2011. The service will mark the 53rd anniversary of the June 10, 1958 El Dorado tornado that claimed thirteen lives. The memorial service will be held in El Dorado's Graham Park at 5:45 P.M., the approximate time that the tornado passed through the park in 1958.
In 2007, the El Dorado Rotary Club spearheaded a community-wide effort that created the memorial. It was dedicated on June 10, 2008, the 50th anniversary of the tornado. The memorial features a bending pedestal representing the community that was bent but not broken by the tornado. The wind harp with thirteen strings represents the tornado victims. Each year, a memorial service is held on the tornado's anniversary.
Since the memorial dedication in 2008, educational plaques have been added giving more information about the storm and its aftermath. This year another plaque will be unveiled that pays tribute to the communities of Greensburg and El Dorado. Robert Dixson and Tom McKibban, respective mayors of the two towns will be present.
Following the 1958 El Dorado tornado, members of the Greensburg Calvary Mennonite Church were part of the relief effort. After the 2007 Greensburg tornado, an El Dorado public utilities crew helped to restore the water supply in Greensburg. In the fine Kansas tradition, each community helped the other community during their time of need.
The public is invited to attend the memorial service. The service should last about 20-25 minutes. A fellowship among the tornado survivors and families and friends of the tornado victims will conclude the memorial service.
For more information contact STEVEN PERSHALL
(316) 321-2439 scpershall@cox.net
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