SPRINGFIELD — The city will commemorate the 14th anniversary of the June 1, 2011, tornado and remember the three people killed and at least 200 injured and the destruction it caused with a chiming of bells and a call for a moment of silence.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno is asking the religious community to chime church bells at 4:38 p.m. Sunday, to mark the time the tornado touched down in Springfield. The EF3 tornado traveled about 38 miles and tore through a number of towns from Westfield to Charlton.
Its 6.2-mile path through Springfield caused major damage in multiple neighborhoods including the South End, East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres. It destroyed several schools, the South End Center and heavily damaged countless homes and businesses. The areas ravaged by the tornado have been rebuilt.
“Ever resilient, our city rallied and stood strong. For this I remain ever grateful to all, especially our brave and heroic first responders, our city, state and federal partners, and our citizens and business community for their steadfast continued belief and investments in our Springfield,” Sarno said.
