Ceremony will honor tornado victims

Residents will come together Saturday to remember the 29 people who died two decades ago when a tornado twisted Plainfield inside out.

The village is sponsoring a 3 p.m. ceremony on the west side of the DuPage River, just south of Lockport Street. The afternoon start time roughly mirrors the moment when the tornado struck the town on Aug. 28, 1990.

"This is a significant commemoration for our community," said village Trustee Paul Fay, who helped organize the ceremony. "While Plainfield has far more residents who have no experience of that tragic event, it is important that we never forget."

The location of Saturday's ceremony was selected because it's at "the very center" of the path the tornado traveled, organizers said.

During the ceremony, 29 trees will be planted to create "a living legacy memorial" in honor of those who perished.

Fay said the trees will serve as "a bridge" linking the past tragedy with a new natural area - the nearby Electric Park project.

In addition to the tree-planting, all the names of the victims will be read aloud.

Fay said he hopes the program serves as a reminder of how Plainfield came together after the tragedy. "We have a very proud and strong sense of community here," he said.