Baxter Reflects On Five Lives Taken Too Soon

Baxter’s Reflection Park will serve as a cornerstone of the Seminary Park project, a chance to remember the five children who died in the March tornado.

That’s according to Baxter Mayor John Martin.

“Putnam County is strong and we have a team, anything that ever happens in our community we work together,” Martin said. “That’s what it’s all about, our city is growing, we’re very proud of our city, and I’m very proud to be the mayor of our city.”

Baxter Beautification Chair Jeannie Lee said the community is here for the families who lost on that day

“This is a special day, to me it’s all about the children” Jeannie Lee said. “Each time I gathered the information and I read it, that child became alive to me. These children will always be a part of us.”

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said the hardest part of the job done by emergency workers is the loss of children.

“This is not supposed to happen, they’re supposed to outlive us,” Porter said. “But for whatever reason, they’re in God’s arms this morning. He’s got them huddled around in his arms. Taking care of those children, waiting on you to join them one day. What a blessing it is to know that God takes care of the little children.

Stonecom Operations Manager Marcia Lee said as a Baxter resident and with a mother who graduated from Baxter Seminary, the erection of the park means more than she can say.

“How can we never forget these 19 individuals who lost their lives, and even more devastating how can we remember and commemorate the young lives lost,” Lee said. “These five young children that were taken one year ago today.”