KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsLittle Sioux chapel brings healing

Little Sioux chapel brings healing

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NEAR BLENCOE, Iowa (KTIV) - The new chapel at the little Sioux Scout Ranch underwent some pretty big changes in its debut on Sunday. Hundreds of scouts like Thomas Auen, say coming back to see the new chapel was something he was looking forward to.

"There were good things to come out of some terrible things, but the sun always shines brightest before the dawn," said Thomas Auen, Sioux City.

Firefighters from across the country and volunteers helped build the chapel in three days, as a part of New York says Thank You Foundation, paying it forward every step of the way.

"This is how America works right here, this is how it works. Everyone comes together," said James Vincent, Groesbeck, TX.

For the families who lost scouts in the Little Sioux Tornado, emotions ran high, but some say being here on Sunday is an important part of the healing process.

"This chapel to me, this represents how these people who came here from all over, they all had something bad happen to them, but they are determined to make their life count for good," said Sharon Thompson, Sam Thompson's Mother.

For some today, when the wind blows harder, roots run deeper.

 "It's just been an experience I haven't done in my life, and i would do it again in a heartbeat," said Charlie Vitchers, Labor Coordinator.

After three days and countless man hours, the chapel behind me is finally complete, but the finishing touches will come everyday, with people coming to spread their love and friendship.

"Overall they can talk about it, and everybody can come together spiritually and gather," said Auen.

And for the scouts who experienced tragedy firsthand like Auen, say now they have a place to reflect, and remember their brothers.

Sunday, hundreds of scouts, their leaders, New York Firefighters, and family members held an ceremonial precession into the camp.

Jeff Parness, with the foundation New York Says Thank You, says, those camp members and firefighers marched side by side to symbolize that even in tragedy, we're all in this together.

"We purposely did it that way because we wanted the parents who raced to the camp that night to see that we survived. We all got through this together," said Jeff Parness, NewYorkSaysThankYou.org.