A year ago Thursday tragedy struck the Little Sioux Scout Ranch.  Four boys lost their lives and dozens of others were injured when an EF3 tornado tore though western Iowa.  The anniversary was a time to remember what was lost and celebrate just how far many have come.

They marched quietly then took turns lowering three flags to half-staff.  It's been a year since 13-year-olds Ben Petrzilka, Sam Thomsen, Josh Fennen and 14-year-old Aaron Eilerts lost their lives.  "He was a big sports fan, but he was more than that," said Sam's father Larry.

Larry and Sharon Thomsen say Sam was a humble boy with a big heart who tried his hardest at everything he did.  "We've thought so many times if he could see the people whose lives he's touched, he would be so embarrassed," Sharon Thomsen said.

Then there are the boy scouts who lived to tell their story.  "It went by really fast, I can't believe it's been a year already, I mean I still can't believe it," said 14-year-old Kevin Hanna.

Hanna was in the north tower when the tornado hit.  A falling chimney broke his pelvis in four places.  Doctors feared he would never walk again.  "It gives us a chance to remember, but we don't have to dwell on it, we can move on and get on with our lives and I think it's important that we do that," he said.

In many ways, the community is moving on.  The scout ranch has reopened and in September, a chapel will be built using timbers salvaged from the wreckage at the same site where the four boys died.

A memorial statue is also planned for the Durham Scout Center.  "It's a sense of loss, but kind of coming full circle from last year to this year.  Seeing all the things that have happened, seeing everything that has been done, it's nice," said scout Christian Jones.

Family and friends say support from the community has, and will continue to help them cope with this tragedy.  "We got a card in the mail yesterday from a family we didn't even know, who just took the time to write a really sweet note to say that they were thinking of us and you just can't imagine how much that means," Sharon Thomsen said.

A reunion dinner, ceremony and skits will also mark the anniversary Friday night at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch.  It's graduation for a group of boys participating in the same weeklong leadership training camp as the scouts a year ago.  Now there's a storm shelter inside the camp's welcome center.