AUGUSTA, Ga ()- A year ago, on September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene pummeled the CSRA, bringing down millions of trees, damaging homes and businesses, and tragically killing dozens.

Saturday morning, the city of Augusta honored 7 of those who died.

“It means a lot to me because my sister was the middle of five girls. My mom had five girls, no boys. And it just means the world to me,” said Mary Williams, whose sister was honored.

Saturday dozens of people gathered to commemorate the passing of one year since Hurricane Helene devastated the CSRA.

“But I remember a city of resilience, a city of strength in that not long after the morning of September 27th, within hours, we were starting to dig our way out and find our way forward,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson during the ceremony.

Several members of Augusta’s leadership spoke at the ceremony, including former Mayor Deke Copenhaver and Derek Dugan, both members of the Long Term Recovery committee.

“The mission of the committee is to do two things. It is to restore Augusta to its pre Helene state and that means identifying homes and communities where damage has not been repaired by the initial cleanup efforts,” explained Dugan. “What the long term recovery committee does is it recruits the resources and volunteers from around the country to come repair these homes and coordinates that with the need on the ground in the community.”

During the ceremony, Mayor Johnson paid tribute to the 7 Richmond County residents who died during the storm, by presenting plaques to their loved ones.

Mayor Johnson was visibly emotional as names were called out.

“The seven individuals. Your families– just know that I have stalked your families to know more about your loved ones. The contributions that they made to your families and to this community, I thank you. Today is a lot harder than I thought it would be,” he said, voice trembling.

Mary Williams’s sister, Caffee Wright, died that day. She told NewsChannel 6 that Saturday’s ceremony was a comfort to her.

“It’s sad, but it’s also rejoicing to just be able to come and visit– we’re from Valdosta, Georgia. And it’s just going to be an honor to come down here and visit and see her name on it. And it’s an honor that they did this for all of them,” Williams smiled.

If you or someone you know still needs repairs from hurricane Helene storm damages, click HERE for more information and to fill out an application for assistance.