The Swearingen and Copeland families in Rogers, Arkansas, were among the many families who faced the terrifying wrath of tornadoes over Memorial Day weekend. Melisa Swearingen, along with her husband and children, narrowly escaped as trees crashed down around their home, while Byron Copeland and his family sought shelter in their basement as transformers exploded nearby.
The tornadoes left a path of destruction in their wake, with at least 23 people killed and numerous homes and buildings torn apart. Rogers, a town situated between the Walmart headquarters and Arkansas’s largest state park, was hit particularly hard, with Mayor Greg Hines having to navigate through fallen trees just to assess the damage.
Despite the devastation, the community of Rogers remains resilient. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited the remains of the Susie Q Malt Shop, a beloved local establishment that had been in operation for nearly 64 years. The sight of the destroyed shop was particularly heartbreaking for residents, highlighting the deep connection they have to their community.
As cleanup efforts began in downtown Rogers, residents banded together to clear debris and start the rebuilding process. The Swearingen family, along with many others in the historic district, are determined to stay and rebuild their homes.
Even in the face of such widespread destruction, the spirit of the community remains strong. Plans for the annual Fourth of July parade, a beloved tradition in Rogers, are still in place, with residents determined to come together and celebrate despite the challenges they face.
Through the devastation and loss, the people of Rogers are showing their resilience and determination to rebuild and move forward as a community.
