Moment of silence held at 5:41 in Joplin's Cunningham Park

A moment of silence was held at 5:41 p.m., a few seconds ago, in Cunningham Park as Joplin and the nation paused to remember the 161 people who lost their lives during the May 22, 2011, tornado, exactly one year earlier.

The moment was preceded by the playing of bagpipes and came at the conclusion of a Day of Unity. Thousands, estimated by some at between six and eight thousand, gathered in the park and participated in the Walk for Unity along the tornado's devastating path.

"If you would," City Manager Mark Rohr said, "please stand for a moment of silence."

Hats were removed and not a sound could be heard except someone saying, "i5:40" meaning there was still a minute of silence left.

Heads were bowed solemnly as the moment stretched, but still the silence remained unbroken.

Then the actual moment of silence began with Rohr saying, "Please bow your head and join me in a moment of silence," as the clock hit 5:41.

"Thank you," Rohr said, but still the crowd remained silent, an unspoken tribute to those who had lost their lives.

The program continued with singer Mark LaPerle doing the song he dedicated to the city of Joplin just after the tornado, "Sing Again."