[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE STONEVILLE TORNADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 1999

  Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on the afternoon of March 
20, 1998, a tornado ripped through the town of Stoneville, NC which is 
in my district. The people of this small town had no warning before the 
powerful winds of an F2 tornado ravaged the downtown area and touched 
the surrounding towns of Madison and Mayodan.
  The path of the tornado was 12 miles long and 100 to 400 yards wide. 
It claimed the lives of 2 individuals while damaging or destroying 500 
to 600 homes and nearly all of the businesses in the downtown area.
  Yet, after facing this devastating force of nature, the people of 
Stoneville did not give up. They pulled together with the aid of their 
neighbors and have been rebuilding their homes, their businesses and 
their lives over the past 12 months.
  I was there the night of the tornado, and from that time until now I 
have witnessed the best in the human spirit as everyone has volunteered 
to help those in need.
  The buildings were destroyed, but not the determination to survive. 
This is a true example of American's working together for the good of 
their fellow man.
  I salute the people of Stoneville and all of their neighbors who have 
volunteered for their will to rebuild rather than to let their heritage 
be destroyed. I wish them the best and brightest future which they 
surely deserve.

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