City of Joplin to observe a moment of silence at 5:41 p.m. Sunday

From the city of Joplin:

The City of Joplin would like everyone to observe a Moment of Silence at 5:41 p.m., on Sunday, May 29 to honor those who lost their lives or have been injured and are suffering because of this disaster that struck Joplin one week ago. The initial report of the EF-5 tornado on the ground in Joplin was made at 5:41 p.m. May 22. The public is invited to join in this observance and gather at the Cunningham Park parking lot, just east


Over 6,000 structures were affected, with many demolished completely, by this disaster.

Immediately after the moment of silence, a song that is a tribute to this disaster in Joplin will be played.

The song was written by Mark Laperle in Bedford, Virginia. In an email describing the song, Laperle said, “The story of devastation and loss from Joplin has not gone unnoticed. I have no doubt there are literally millions of Christians across America praying for you.”

Upon hearing this song, City Manager Mark Rohr reached out to Laperle to thank him. “It is a truly a tribute to the people who have lost their lives and, and all those who have been affected by this disaster,” he said. “I was personally moved and touched by this gesture of genuine care and concern for our City. I called Mark Laperle and gave my heartfelt thanks for reaching out to us and wanted to convey it to all of the citizens of Joplin.”

After the Moment of Silence observance, the song “Sing Again” will be played by News Talk KZRG radio, and all of the stations of Zimmer Radio. Since the disaster, Zimmer stations have provided community service support by broadcasting messages, sharing and receiving information from citizens in Joplin and all of their listening area.

“Obviously, this has impacted everyone in Joplin,” said Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer for the City. “KZRG has been a great resource for our community. It’s with partnerships such as this one, that our citizens are able to get some of the essential information they need to rebuild their lives.”

For those wanting to download the song, it can be found at www.joplinmo.org at the “TORNADO” information link. It will be available after the observance.