An amazing number of people coming from all directions gathered in the southeast parking lot of the Range Line Walmart--including a contingent coming on foot from Duquesne--to walk the tornado route and to applaud the city of Joplin's recovery efforts so far after the May, 22, 2011 tornado that took 161 lives, countless injuries and an estimated $2.8 billion in structural and infrastructural damage.

Joplin Police officers held back a long line of traffic on Range Line Road as the walkers started on their journey down 17th Street on almost a four mile journey that eventually would take them to their final destination. Along the route they stopped for a steeple raising, a ground breaking ceremony on the high school grounds, the tornado ravaged "Spirit Tree" painted by local artists Emily Frankoski and Dolores Bilke, lunch supplied by Rib Crib and activities for kids, and a ribbon-cutting for Kraft Insurance. While the openness of the neighborhood predominated mostly with lots that had debris cleaned away, occasional signs revealed that reconstruction was more than just an idea.

After the 6,000-plus walkers arrived at Cunningham Park around 5 p.m. on May 22 from the Walk of Unity, they quickly filled chairs, bleachers and grassy areas for the concluding program of the Day of Unity. This special program at the park was dedicated to remembering and reflecting on the past year. City Manager Mark Rohr welcomed a crowd of more than 8,000 people representing the community, volunteers, and local, state, and federal partners.

Hal Donaldson, keynote speaker and founder and president of Convoy of Hope, offered an inspirational message to the crowd. Through its world-wide operations, Convoy of Hope has brought aid to millions of people across the United States and around the world. Immediately after the May tornado, their trucks and relief teams arrived in Joplin and they have been here ever since: passing out food and water, removing debris, and rebuilding homes. Donaldsons message at the ceremony emphasized the importance of hope and faith for the future, noting Joplin and Duquesne focused on three important elements during the past years recovery: hard work, unity and courage.

Donaldsons message was followed by a moment of silence at exactly 5:41 p.m., the time the tornado struck one year ago. This moment of silence allowed individuals to reflect on the lives lost last May and the events of the past year.

After the moment of silence, Mark LaPerle played the song that many heard last year during the one-week memorial, Joplins Heart Will Sing Again. Following his performance, three symbolic dedications were made: the presentation of the time capsules, the unveiling of the bronze memorial plaque, and the planting of the 161st tree.

The time capsules were placed in the base holding the bronze plaque. The capsules will be opened on May 22, 2061, the 50th anniversary of the tornado. This date was selected so that those who experienced the tornado as children could pass the living history onto children and grandchildren not yet born. There are a total of six capsules that represent Our Youth, Our Seniors, the Class of 2011, Our Community, the City Operations, and the Media Response. These six capsules were dedicated to the Citizens of Joplin in the year 2061:

• The Our Youth capsule contains messages from elementary students impacted by the tornado. Three students presented this capsule were Kaylnn Connor, 5th grader, Emerson Elementary; Morgan Keller, 1st grader, Irving Elementary; and Carmen Colson, 3rd grader, St. Marys Grade School.

• The Our Seniors capsule includes messages of Joplins history and hopes for the future and was presented by Dennie and Loretta Lynch.

• The Class of 2011 capsule includes reflections on the year and offers inspiration to the Class of 2061. This capsule was presented by the Will Norton family.

• The Community capsule contains a 100 foot scroll with messages of hope, encouragement, and memories and was presented by Charlie Brown.

• The City Operations capsule represents the efforts of the city of Joplin and was presented by Keith Stammer.

• The Media Response capsule was devoted to local media and tells the story of how they told the story to the world and was presented by Josh Marsh of KZRG Radio, part of the Zimmer Group that broadcast live for nine days following the tornado on all of their radio stations to provide vital information to the community.

The second symbolic dedication was that of the Bronze Memorial Plaque. This plaque is inscribed with the names of the 161 citizens who lost their lives on May 22, 2011 and will be displayed in the memorial at Cunningham Park.

The final symbolic dedication was that of the 161st tree. This tree serves as a memorial to friends, family members, and citizens who were lost that day and will serve as a lasting reminder for generations to come. Two families were present to assist in planting this tree.

Lynn Britton, president and chief executive officer of Mercy Hospitals, made a dedication on behalf of Mercy. [Freeman Health System held a ceremony in which they released lanterns early on Tuesday morning honoring the heroes that had helped save lives after the Joplin tornado.]

As a gesture of Paying It Forward to help kick-off Star of Hope for Minot, Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Keen passed one of Joplins stars to Dean Frantsvog, president of the Minot City Council in Minot, North Dakota. Minot is a community that sustained major damage from flooding last June. The Souris River overflowed its banks last summer, forcing about 11,000 people from their homes and damaging about 4,100 structures. Also accepting a star was Samantha Senger, 10, who accepted a Star of Hope on behalf of Minot's children. The New York Says Thank You Foundation and their Stars of Hope Program, that has been in Joplin since last September, will move to Minot this September.

The end of the ceremony featured a community singing of Go Make a Difference. This song represents the communitys efforts thus far and encourages citizens to move forward with a positive outlook, something the Walk of Unity definitely engendered.

Lynn Onstot contributed to this article. Photos by Mari Winn Taylor

The following photos were taken during the Walk of Unity. Click on any to start a slideshow.

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