The City of Joplin revealed the annual holiday window display at Joplin City Hall on Thursday, Dec 1. The City of Joplin began a tradition of decorating Joplin City Hall windows in 2008, keeping with the original holiday window displays provided by the Newman’s Store, the store for which the building was originally built in the early 1900’s.
While dedicated to continuing this holiday tradition, the City recognizes that the May 22 tornado changed our community significantly in a manner difficult to describe. The compassion and commitment from our citizens, friends, family and thousands of volunteers have strengthened the rebuilding efforts that are ongoing in Joplin today.
“The outpouring of love and support has been evident throughout this disaster,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. “City staff designed the displays to provide an insight into the range of emotions that our residents have faced these past six months.”
This year’s theme is: Remembrance, Resilience, Community, Hope, and Rebuild. Each of these important themes represents the power of the community and now the regional, national and international layers of friends and volunteers who have joined the citizens to truly help Joplin rise up.
Three small windows facing Main Street encompasses the Remembrance theme. These windows are full of the stars that were part of the New York Says Thank You star project. These stars were painted and themed by thousands of volunteers, residents, and governmental support staff as a reminder of those whom we lost and who we continue to remember.
The large window facing Main Street reflects the theme Resilience. This window includes a representation of the editorial cartoon created by Rick McKee, and published in the May 27, 2011 edition of The Augusta Chronicle depicting residents as they moved from under the rubble into swift action to help their fellow neighbors rebuild their homes and thus their town. It is a symbol of our deep tenacity and desire to rebuild.
The corner window that faces both Main Street and 6th Street shows the theme Community. This is the traditional Christmas scene, honoring our love of home and family and friendship during this time year and a reminder of the thousands of donated items given to the community this year.
The second window facing 6th Street reflects the theme HOPE. This window honors the children with our community and those children who sent notes of kindness and encouragement, as well as artwork, to our area residents.
The third window facing 6th Street reflects the theme Rebuild. Provided by the Joplin Homebuilders association, this window will reflect the hopes and dreams of our residents to rebuild their homes and in so doing help transform the landscape of the City of Joplin.
The window displays will stay in place until January. The hope is to encompass the warmth of the holiday season while embracing the resiliency of the Joplin citizens. All are welcome to come to Downtown Joplin to enjoy this unique display.
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