Amidst the aftermath of the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, thousands gathered Wednesday afternoon in Joplin to honor the 161 lives lost on this day two years ago when an EF-5 ripped through the city.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano spoke of resilience, which along with the terms resolve and revitalization made up the theme for the event.
“The entire Joplin community played an important role in the recovery process. For example, deciding to build more resilient schools outside of the flood plain, develop stronger standards for home construction, and develop shared facilities for youth at storm shelters,” Napolitano said.
Joplin Mayor Pro Tem William Scearce (Skairs) says that of the 7,500 homes that were destroyed, more than 80 percent have either been rebuilt or are in the process of being rebuilt.
Scearce was among the many officials to offer sympathies for the victims of Monday’s tornado in Oklahoma. Donations for the people of Moore were being accepted at the Joplin ceremony.
