Friday, November 04, 2011

City announces plans for Nov. 22 memorial service

(From the City of Joplin)

Citizens are encouraged to join together in music, prayer and remembrance at the Community Memorial Service to be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. November 22 is the six-month anniversary of the EF-5 tornado that traveled from the western side of the City to the eastern side and into Duquesne and Jasper County, changing our community forever. The Memorial Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Cunningham Park, located on the northeast corner of 26th Street and Maiden Lane.

“As our residents and their family and friends have joined together with the tens of thousands of volunteers in our city’s recovery, it is time now to pause and remember those who have died because of this tornado,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. “This Memorial will be a time of healing as we remember the 162 lives lost, and pay tribute to the many who have volunteered their time and talents in helping Joplin respond to the tornado.”

All are invited to attend the ceremony which will offer prayer, music, comments from officials, and conclude with a lighting ceremony. In addition, one tree will be planted and dedicated as a symbol of the 162 trees to soon fill Cunningham Park. Each of the 162 trees will be a tribute to those who died because of this disaster.

There will be limited seating (approximately 1,000 chairs), and we encourage others to bring lawn chairs for the service. As we come together as a community in remembrance, the service will offer general and handicapped seating.

The service is being held at an outdoor venue, so the public is reminded to dress accordingly. In case of rain or inclement weather, the service will be moved to the Leggett and Platt Center at Missouri Southern State University. If the event does have to be moved to this alternate location, the City will post this news at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22 on their website www.joplinmo.org , Facebook.com/CityofJoplin, and provide the information to the local news media.

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