By David Rupert, American Red Cross

On July 31, 1976, more than 12 inches of rain gathered and roared down the Big Thompson River canyon in Larimer County, Colo., raising the waterline to ten times the highest flow ever recorded. The resulting flood cleared out bridges, devastated roads and demolished homes.

Tragically, it would take 111 lives, injuring 250 and leaving scars that would take years to heal.

Dozens of organizations and hundreds of volunteers, including those from the American Red Cross, participated in the recovery efforts. They were among those recognized at a remembrance and commemoration event on the 50th anniversary of the flood in a packed Loveland auditorium.

"We are here to remember those lost, honor those who responded and understand the legacy left behind," the event's organizers wrote.

"You can rebuild roads, you can rebuild buildings, those kinds of things, but people live with the experience forever," Red Cross Northern Colorado Chapter Executive Director Melissa Venable said. "The Red Cross was there on what was probably the worst day of many people's lives, and we were able to be that little bit of a ray of hope to help get them on a path towards recovery."

Venable was among those who were invited to speak to attendees. She shared the Red Cross response with the crowd.

"For countless people impacted by the flood, the first reassuring face they encountered was not a police officer, firefighter or paramedic. It was a Red Cross volunteer," she said. "Recovery often begins with the smallest acts of kindness: a pair of dry socks, a warm cup of coffee and someone who simply says, 'You’re safe,' can make all the difference to a person who has lost everything."

During the first two weeks following the flood, more than 300 volunteers participated in the Red Cross relief effort. Together, they provided emergency shelter, food, clothing, family assistance and support to both survivors and emergency responders. In total, the Red Cross distributed nearly $150,000 in direct assistance and mass care services.

The mobilization efforts within the greater Larimer County community that the Red Cross participated in in 1976 underpin today's Red Cross across Colorado and Wyoming. Just as they did in shelters set up in high school gyms and communities impacted by floodwaters 50 years ago, the Red Cross partners with local organizations, other nonprofits, local and state governments and all willing to step up in the face of a disaster to help those most affected.

"Preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies is central to our mission. The Red Cross is there; that's what we do," Venable said. "Whether it's the Big Thompson Flood 50 years ago, the fires in Colorado today, or other disasters throughout our country. It's something we're doing yesterday, today and tomorrow, and we will continue to do it in the future."