First Lady Michelle Obama advises parents on what to say to their kids about the Tucson mass shooting
Photo: from the White House Blog — First Lady Michelle Obama sat between President Obama and Astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at the memorial for the mass shooting victims January 12, 2011
Today, First Lady Michelle Obama released an open letter to parents on what to say to their kids about that mass shooting in Arizona last Saturday, that killed six, wounded more than a dozen others — including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
Dear parents,
Like so many Americans all across the country, Barack and I were shocked and heartbroken by the horrific act of violence committed in Arizona this past weekend. Yesterday, we had the chance to attend a memorial service and meet with some of the families of those who lost their lives, and both of us were deeply moved by their strength and resilience in the face of such unspeakable tragedy.
As parents, an event like this hits home especially hard. It makes our hearts ache for those who lost loved ones. It makes us want to hug our own families a little tighter. And it makes us think about what an event like this says about the world we live in – and the world in which our children will grow up.
In the days and weeks ahead, as we struggle with these issues ourselves, many of us will find that our children are struggling with them as well. The questions my daughters have asked are the same ones that many of your children will have – and they don’t lend themselves to easy answers. But they will provide an opportunity for us as parents to teach some valuable lessons – about the character of our country, about the values we hold dear, and about finding hope at a time when it seems far away.
We can teach our children that here in America, we embrace each other, and support each other, in times of crisis. And we can help them do that in their own small way – whether it’s by sending a letter, or saying a prayer, or just keeping the victims and their families in their thoughts.
Read the rest of First Lady Michelle Obama’s open letter here on the White House website.
President Obama speaks at memorial for Arizona shooting victims
Photo: RSchumacher/The Arizona Republic — President Obama makes a point during his speech at a memorial for victims of that rampage shooting in Arizona January 12, 2011
President Obama’s emotionally charged and inspirational speech at the “Together We Thrive: Tucson and America” memorial for victims of the shooting rampage in Arizona last Saturday, is still being talked about today.
The president spoke before thousands at the University of Arizona and he began his remarks this way:
PRESIDENT OBAMA: To the families of those we’ve lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people of Tucson and the people of Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today and will stand by you tomorrow. (Applause.)
There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your hearts. But know this: The hopes of a nation are here tonight. We mourn with you for the fallen. We join you in your grief. And we add our faith to yours that Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other living victims of this tragedy will pull through. (Applause.)
The full text of the president’s speech here on the White House website.
