Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama Salutes Joplin's Grads, 'Inspiration'

President delivers commencement speech a year after deadly tornado

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2012 7:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – A year after a screaming tornado ripped out the heart of Joplin, Mo., as its new graduates headed home from commencement, President Obama last night saluted the town's resilience as Joplin High School feted a new crop of graduates. "The story of Joplin isn't just what happened that day," Obama told the graduating seniors, according to Politico. "It's the story of what happened the next day. And the day after that." Lauding the town's recovery, he said, "you’re the source of inspiration today."

"My deepest hope for all of you is that as you begin this new chapter in your life, you will bring that spirit of Joplin to every place you travel and everything you do. You can serve as a reminder that we're not meant to walk this road alone; that we’re not expected to face down adversity by ourselves. We need each other. We’re important to each other. We’re stronger together than we are on our own."

President Obama is greeted by well-wishers Monday evening, May 21, 2012 at the airport in Joplin, Mo.
President Obama is greeted by well-wishers Monday evening, May 21, 2012 at the airport in Joplin, Mo.   (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Rich Sugg, Pool)
President Obama delivers the Joplin High School commencement address a day before the anniversary of the twister that killed 161 people, Monday, May 21, 2012, in Joplin, Mo.
President Obama delivers the Joplin High School commencement address a day before the anniversary of the twister that killed 161 people, Monday, May 21, 2012, in Joplin, Mo.   (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Shane Keyser)
Graduating seniors of Joplin High School applaud President Obama after his speech Monday, May 21, 2012 at commencement exercises in Joplin, Mo.
Graduating seniors of Joplin High School applaud President Obama after his speech Monday, May 21, 2012 at commencement exercises in Joplin, Mo.   (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Rich Sugg, Pool)
Graduates listen as President Obama delivers the commencement address at Joplin High school on May 21, 2012.
Graduates listen as President Obama delivers the commencement address at Joplin High school on May 21, 2012.   (Getty Images)
President Obama with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Superintendent CJ Huff listen to the national anthem during the Joplin High School commencement, May 21, 2012.
President Obama with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Superintendent CJ Huff listen to the national anthem during the Joplin High School commencement, May 21, 2012.   (Getty Images)
President Obama greets students before the Joplin High School commencement, a day before the anniversary of the twister that killed 161 people, Monday, May 21, 2012.
President Obama greets students before the Joplin High School commencement, a day before the anniversary of the twister that killed 161 people, Monday, May 21, 2012.   (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Rich Sugg, Pool)
President Obama, who delivered the Joplin High School commencement address, shares a laugh with Joplin Schools Superintendent CJ Huff.
President Obama, who delivered the Joplin High School commencement address, shares a laugh with Joplin Schools Superintendent CJ Huff.   (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Rich Sugg, Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
4%
2%
6%
81%
2%
6%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
USLady
May 22, 2012 12:42 PM CDT
The only thing Obama has to run on is lies! and a whole lot of nothing! he has tired to put Romney down for jobs and his business skills.Well Obama has nothing! he knew nothing,and had no business skills,and he has not created one single job! now if you disagree with his job creation i would personally like to know which jobs he created! lies on top of lies! We elected a man who knew nothing about leadership to stand up and rule America! and look what we got! failure! We need someone who knows what they are doing to get this country back where it needs to be and make our military stronger! we cannot take no more of Obama! he has done nothing to help America.Its time to start going forward with Romney! and let Obama flip flop right out of the White House! with the rest of his crooked clan!
Ucantusethatname
May 22, 2012 12:37 PM CDT
It is unfortunate that at such a young age Barry Soetoro fell so much in love with his own voice. As an adult, he feels compelled to invite himself to present commencement speeches, although everyone knows they are merely more campaign speeches that provide more visibility. I have tired of this narcissism and immediately change the channel whenever he appears on the screen. He brings no hope, and the only change we have are a few coins in our pockets.
duxburian
May 22, 2012 9:53 AM CDT
Did he mention how those kids can stay on their parents medical insurance and can't be denied medical coverage for preexisting conditions?   How about how much more affordable Obama has made it to get student loans?   more affordable retraining for their parents?    Did he mention how federal spending, taxes, and the deficit are all lower today than they were when Obama took office?
Politics • US

 
tornado • commencement speech • President Obama • President Obama speech • Joplin tornado

 
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne