Today in History

Joplin Tornado Memorial Park

 May 22, 2011 - A massive EF5 tornado slams into Joplin, Missouri, killing 162 people and causing over 2 billion dollars in damages. It is one of the deadliest and costliest tornadoes in American history. As part of cleanup efforts organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I had the opportunity to go to Joplin the weekend after the storm and assist in the process. It was an experience I will never forget, and the devastation and destruction I saw was something I had never hoped to see again. However, just two days ago, the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore was ravaged by a tornado of equal strength. This is not the first time Moore has been in the direct path of a monster tornado, but this one seems to feel different, especially after two elementary schools were hit and 9 children were killed within one of the schools. It is very likely that Tulsa stakes of the church will be organized to go to Moore and assist in the ongoing cleanup. If we are asked to go, I will certainly be ready and willing, although emotionally I'm not sure if I'm ready for that again. The images of Joplin haunted me for months after we left. I have been back to Joplin several times since the tornado and it's amazing how fast the town has come back. They are resilient, and the people of Moore are as well. They will rebuild.

Some of the destruction in Joplin: