REMEMBERING THE FLOOD: HEROES DESERVE OUR PRAISE

The memories of last year's flooding are so vivid. It will take a long time for the horror and stench and disruption to fade away.

Some anniversaries are pleasurable and are remembered from year to year with joy and anticipation. For those who experienced the 1993 flood up close, the passing of each year will be remembered with sorrow and pain, much like the death of a loved one or a tragic accident involving a member of the family.

Even though thousands of words were written and hundreds of photographs were taken, it is impossible to covey the terror and hurt of a flood. It isn't just high water. The water carries filth and mud. The rising water forces vermin and reptiles to seek refuge in havens that are otherwise safe for humans. The swirling waters are only part of the story.

The most difficult part of a flood story is the aftermath. Cleaning up after a flood is like having had a horde of messy relatives come for the weekend, and some of them died but weren't found for several days. It is awful.

In spite of the worst damage a flood can do, the human spirit is stronger.

If the stories during the flood were grim, there were heroic tales to be told as well. As the floodwaters approached, thousands of selfless volunteers found ways to thwart Mother Nature. And after the water went down, countless individuals faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives as well as their homes. One hero after another emerged from communities swept by unwelcome water. Those are the memories that make anniversaries worth celebrating.

For the most part, the heroes of the 1993 flood never expected praise or honor. But many men and women have been recognized for their unstinting work in erasing the scars of a major disaster. One such individual was Clarence Carnell of Dutchtown, who has been recognized by the governor for coordinating hundreds of volunteers who filled sandbags to build a wall around Dutchtown.

Like the strong souls of history who built barricades against the enemy in order to preserve life, the Dutchtown volunteers built a fortress against raging water -- one bag at a time. Carnell's motivation was simple: Dutchtown has been his home for three decades. He never expected reward or praise for his efforts.

It would be nice to list every person who contributed in one way or another to last year's flood effort. Each and every one deserves something special. Let it be said that the gratitude of all those who suffered is immeasurable.

And let us offer the highest reward that can be bestowed on honorable and decent people:

"Thank you."