PRESS RELEASE

WHEREAS:     On Friday, March 31, 2023, one week ago, severe tornadoes moved across Arkansas, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and significant damage to property;

WHEREAS: The citizens of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville in central Arkansas, and Wynne in eastern Arkansas, saw tornadoes destroy businesses, homes, churches, and a school;

WHEREAS: Once it was safe to do so, law enforcement, first responders, members of the Arkansas National Guard, and neighbors took immediate action to come to the aid of their fellow Arkansans in need;

WHEREAS: The Sanders Administration has worked in close partnership with local officials across Pulaski, Lonoke, and Cross counties, as well as the federal government, to advance recovery efforts as quickly as possible;

WHEREAS: The Governor has stated multiple times that her policy in responding to these storms is “people first, paperwork second;”

WHEREAS: Over the course of the last week, Arkansans have supported their neighbors in need, donating their time, labor, money, food, clothing, supplies, and much more;

WHEREAS: The people of Arkansas are resilient, and nothing will destroy us;

WHEREAS:   We remember the resident of North Little Rock and the four residents of Wynne who perished as a result of these violent tornadoes;

WHEREAS: We remember those who have been displaced or have seen their property damaged, and we recommit to helping them rebuild;

WHEREAS: The communities of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville and Wynne will build back stronger than ever before because of the incredible spirit of those communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim April 7, 2023, as:
 

“A DAY OF PRAYER AND ACTION ACROSS ARKANSAS IN RESPONSE TO THE MARCH 31, 2023, TORNADOES”
 

And urge the citizens of the state to take cognizance of this day and participate fittingly in its observance.

And as a further mark of remembrance to those Arkansans who perished, I call on all Arkansans to pause at noon on this day for a moment of silence and reflection.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed the 6th day of April, in the year of our Lord 2023.