It’s been 10 years since a devastating tornado hit Joplin.
Joplin will come together in Cunningham Park Saturday afternoon at 5:41 p.m. to mark the exact time when the EF-5 tornado hit, killing 161 people.
Spokeswoman Lynn Onstot says Joplin has been through a lot in the past 10 years.
Now, it’s moving forward.
“Our mayor pro-tem said it eloquently that the 161 lives that were lost…would want us to continue moving on.”
She says Joplin has rebuilt, thanks in part to $321 million dollars in local, state and federal spending.
“You know, a third of our town was destroyed, and it was kind of a scar down the middle. I’d say a good part of that, 90-percent of that, is already rebuilt.”
Onstot says Saturday’s ceremony is about more than just honoring those who died.
“I think the 10 year anniversary will kind of shut the door on that phase of our past. It’s part of our history. But we do look to the future, and have a lot of great things coming up.”
Press Release
With the 10th anniversary of the Joplin tornado approaching, a citizens committee is planning a modest and heartfelt day of remembrance.
The morning of Saturday, May 22 will be the 10th running of the Joplin Memorial Run, which is dedicated to the memory of those who passed away due to the disaster. For more information, go to facebook.com/JoplinMemorialRun or email info@joplinmemorialrun.com .
Later that day, as the community has done in other years, there will be a gathering in Cunningham Park near the 5:41 p.m. hour. The observance ceremony will mark the moment from 2011 to honor and remember the loved ones who died with a reading of the 161 names. Prayer and music will also be part of the remembrance. The program will begin at 5:15 p.m. located at Cunningham Park, 26th Street and Maiden Lane.
During the program, former Missouri Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon will speak regarding the recovery, with Joplin Mayor Ryan Stanley serving as the emcee of the program. Other speakers include Chairperson of the Citizen Advisory Recovery Team Jane Cage and Joplin City Manager Nick Edwards. Council Member and former Mayor Gary Shaw will say the benediction to close the program.
Preliminary plans also include community time in Cunningham Park starting at 3 p.m. with area organizations. Various activities will be offered, such as Healing Through Art with Ann Leach, a life coach and mental health professional.
There will be seating available for the program, however people are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs for their gatherings in the park as well. A portion of 26th Street will be closed, starting at Maiden Lane to Picher Avenue/St. John’s Boulevard. For more information, contact the City of Joplin at 417-625-4789.
