GALVESTON, Texas (AP) _ A Texas island city ravaged by Hurricane Ike has marked the storm’s one-year anniversary with a sunrise church service.
Ministers of various faiths led worship for about 100 people in a Sunday service at the historic Galvez Hotel along the city’s seawall.
The Rev. David Green of First Presbyterian Church said, “A new day has dawned on our community.”
The service was part of nearly a week of events highlighting rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Galveston officials say 75 percent of businesses are open and tourists have returned.
At Sunday’s service, the Rev. Helen Appelberg of St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church urged Galveston residents to hold onto hope and let it “grow into the flower of new life.”