Looking Back and Moving Forward

As we approach the 5-year anniversary of the tornado in Greensburg, we reflect on the town's history and how far it has come in the past 5 years.  While Greensburg experienced a grave tragedy, it has rebounded and continues to build and grow.  For visitors who see Greensburg now it may be difficult to understand the destruction the town endured.  One way for people to appreciate how truly far the town has come since May 2007 is through images.  Google Earth is a tool that allows you to view aerial pictures of almost the entire world.  To use Google Earth, simply go to this link to download it for free.  You can “Fly To” where ever you would like.  If you “Fly To” Greensburg, Kansas, you will see a view of the town from as recently as October of last year.  If you click the year “1996” at the bottom of the page, you will be given the option to see views of Greensburg from a variety of different years.  This overhead view of the town certainly cannot convey the personal journeys of the residents of Greensburg, but it begins to give an idea of the dramatic changes the community has experienced.  Five years after the tornado we look back on the destruction it left in its wake, but also see the hope of rebuilding and the renewal of spirit fostered by the resilient people of Greensburg, Kansas.

Aerial images of Greensburg from 2006, 2007, and 2011