Author Topic: Lee County: “USA!” President Trump’s visit stirs emotions  (Read 555 times)

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Offline Right_in_Virginia

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Lee County: “USA!” President Trump’s visit stirs emotions
Opelika-Auburn News, Mar 8, 2019, Troy Turner | Editor

BEAUREGARD – President Donald Trump signed Bibles, shook hands with volunteers, hugged survivors and praised emergency responders as he expressed sorrow and support in the community most devastated by a tornado last Sunday that claimed 23 lives.

Stopping and visiting inside Providence Baptist Church, one of this week’s primary gathering spots for survivors, families of victims and emergency responders working within the worst of the disaster zone, Trump praised those contributing to recovery and pledged his continued support.

“We couldn't get here fast enough,” Trump said.  “I wanted to come the day it happened,” he said, adding that Gov. Kay Ivey had asked him to wait, likely for security reasons and the inability to spare resources.

[...]

Why it matters

The visits by federal officials are intended to bring attention to the area for increased financial assistance, and to learn lessons from the tragedy that can assist in saving lives in future threats, several of them have stated.

The EF-4 tornado that struck Beauregard and Smiths Station last Sunday brought with it 170 mph winds that leveled large swaths of its 70-mile-long, up to a mile-wide path, which ranged from Macon County east into Georgia.

Four tornadoes in all struck that day as part of what weather officials called an outbreak. It was the worst tornado disaster in Alabama since more than 200 were killed in a 2011 outbreak.

Trump, a Republican well supported in conservative Alabama, heard cheers throughout his visit.  Chants of "USA!" broke out as Trump prepared to depart Providence Baptist Church.

Similar chants were heard from other groups along the way, including elementary school children who lined the banks outside Southview Elementary School in Opelika waving flags and cheering as the motorcade passed.


More:  https://www.oanow.com/news/auburn/lee-county-usa-president-trump-s-visit-stirs-emotions/article_1ddb1674-41fa-11e9-bbb2-7b8c462fdd3b.html

Offline Right_in_Virginia

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Offline Right_in_Virginia

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Offline Right_in_Virginia

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