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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| A letter to Moore, Oklahoma | A letter to Moore, Oklahoma |
| (4 months later) | |
| To the citizens of Moore, Oklahoma: | To the citizens of Moore, Oklahoma: |
| You are in our thoughts and prayers. Seeing the photos of your state reminds me all too much of the tornados that struck my own home of Harrisburg, Illinois, last year. After hiding while the winds tore through everything we owned, we faced the flattened landscape that was once our town. We struggled through the difficult days spent picking through the rubble that was once kitchens and bedrooms, and we mourned the loved ones who did not survive the storm. It's heartbreaking, and to move forward is a terrible struggle. | You are in our thoughts and prayers. Seeing the photos of your state reminds me all too much of the tornados that struck my own home of Harrisburg, Illinois, last year. After hiding while the winds tore through everything we owned, we faced the flattened landscape that was once our town. We struggled through the difficult days spent picking through the rubble that was once kitchens and bedrooms, and we mourned the loved ones who did not survive the storm. It's heartbreaking, and to move forward is a terrible struggle. |
| But you are not alone. You will find, as we did in the aftermath of the Leap Day tornado outbreak, that your neighboring communities will stand with you, as will the nation as a whole. One of the most enduring memories I have of that dark time is that citizens from across our country reached out and selflessly proved how truly great they are. We received donations, help reconstructing, and plenty of notes. We will do the same for you. | But you are not alone. You will find, as we did in the aftermath of the Leap Day tornado outbreak, that your neighboring communities will stand with you, as will the nation as a whole. One of the most enduring memories I have of that dark time is that citizens from across our country reached out and selflessly proved how truly great they are. We received donations, help reconstructing, and plenty of notes. We will do the same for you. |
| As Americans, this is who we are – we do not let each other fail. Moore will rise again, as it has in the past, and as it will in the near future. Pray daily for the families that lost loved ones and for those injured and that lost everything. Take strength from your neighbors, family, friends and those who come to help. Community leaders, I urge you to speak in positive terms and tones; be as reassuring and encouraging as you can, for your words carry hope for your citizens and can unite them when it seems the storm has swept every support and beam away. | As Americans, this is who we are – we do not let each other fail. Moore will rise again, as it has in the past, and as it will in the near future. Pray daily for the families that lost loved ones and for those injured and that lost everything. Take strength from your neighbors, family, friends and those who come to help. Community leaders, I urge you to speak in positive terms and tones; be as reassuring and encouraging as you can, for your words carry hope for your citizens and can unite them when it seems the storm has swept every support and beam away. |
| Out of this tragic catastrophe, let us find the common ground that pulls us together across America and around the world. Our mission in Harrisburg is to sustain the spirit of hope and resurrection that came to us after our disaster, and to share it with others, to inspire them. As the mayor here, I have seen the best of people in the worst of times. The event that happened to us, much like what you are enduring today, will not defeat you. | Out of this tragic catastrophe, let us find the common ground that pulls us together across America and around the world. Our mission in Harrisburg is to sustain the spirit of hope and resurrection that came to us after our disaster, and to share it with others, to inspire them. As the mayor here, I have seen the best of people in the worst of times. The event that happened to us, much like what you are enduring today, will not defeat you. |
| And we will not let that happen. You have already come together for each other in the aftermath of the tornado, and you should keep that spirit of cooperation alive, and carry it into the days, weeks, months and years ahead. You will find that those that have suffered the most will inspire you to do and be your best, and their testimonies will give you strength every day for all your life. | And we will not let that happen. You have already come together for each other in the aftermath of the tornado, and you should keep that spirit of cooperation alive, and carry it into the days, weeks, months and years ahead. You will find that those that have suffered the most will inspire you to do and be your best, and their testimonies will give you strength every day for all your life. |
| I am sure there are more people who became heroes that day than we can ever learn the stories of. Be assured, God knows who you are, and what you have done. Our common ground for each other is love, and there is not a tornado, hurricane, earthquake or anything else in this world that can shake that bond we have as human beings. May God Bless the people of Moore, Oklahoma, and the United States of America. | I am sure there are more people who became heroes that day than we can ever learn the stories of. Be assured, God knows who you are, and what you have done. Our common ground for each other is love, and there is not a tornado, hurricane, earthquake or anything else in this world that can shake that bond we have as human beings. May God Bless the people of Moore, Oklahoma, and the United States of America. |
| Sincerely, Mayor Eric E Gregg | Sincerely, Mayor Eric E Gregg |
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