In the aftermath of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, then-Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover highlighted the nation’s greatest asset in times of crisis: its people. “Calling in Main Street itself” proved to be a more effective approach than mobilizing the entire Army, Hoover noted.
The devastating impact of the flood led to a shift in the federal government’s approach to disaster response, but the true backbone of America’s resilience lies in its robust civil society. This was evident in the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, one of the country’s worst natural disasters. Faith-based organizations were among the first to reach affected communities, providing critical aid and support.
The Cajun Navy, a volunteer force based in South Louisiana, is a shining example of America’s civil society in action. This group of dedicated individuals has been instrumental in delivering aid and rescuing people in need during floods. As leader and volunteer Clyde Cain noted, “When you have the means and opportunity to help relieve suffering, you do it.”
In 2011, when tornadoes ravaged parts of Alabama and the Southeast, the Red Cross relied on the expertise of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, which provided critical food and support services. Similarly, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Samaritan’s Purse quickly established mobile oxygen clinics and a field emergency hospital in Linville, North Carolina.
The importance of strong local leadership was highlighted in the response to Hurricane Katrina, with then-Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour receiving widespread praise for his swift and effective action. In contrast, the response in Louisiana was hindered by a lack of coordination and leadership.
Today, the value of strong local leadership and community engagement is just as crucial. The response to Hurricane Helene has seen residents uniting to support those in need, demonstrating that despite the divisive rhetoric of cable news and social media, Americans are capable of coming together in times of crisis. The redeployment of Florida’s National Guard air assets to western North Carolina by Gov. Ron DeSantis is a testament to the power of state-level cooperation.
Hoover’s words on the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 remain as relevant today as they were then: the true strength of the United States lies in its “multitudinous mass leadership.” This concept is rooted in America’s self-governing heritage and the pioneering spirit that has always defined the nation.
