Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama said the survivors of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, last month have “inspired” them in a letter written just over a week ago.
The Obamas’ letter, dated March 10, was first published by Mic.
“We wanted to let you know how inspired we have been by the resilience, resolve and solidarity that you have all shown in the wake of unspeakable tragedy,” they wrote in the letter. “Not only have you supported and comforted each other, but you’ve helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority.”
The letter from the Obamas echoes similar sentiments the two of them shared online following the tragedy, where 17 people were killed.
A few days following the attack, both Barack Obama and Michelle Obama wrote on Twitter admiring the students’ response to the tragedy.
EXCLUSIVE: Here’s the letter @BarackObama and @MichelleObama wrote to the #ParklandShooting survivors. In it, the former president and first lady tell the teens that they’ve “inspired” them, and commend them on “awakening the conscience of our nation.” https://t.co/FOQYVguNFw pic.twitter.com/xEPHE6iUL2
— Mic (@mic) March 21, 2018
“Young people have helped lead all our great movements. How inspiring to see it again in so many smart, fearless students standing up for their right to be safe; marching and organizing to remake the world as it should be,” the former president wrote on Twitter. “We’ve been waiting for you. And we’ve got your backs.”
“I’m in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida. Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @barackobama and I believe in you, we’re proud of you, and we’re behind you every step of the way,” the former first lady wrote.
The former president also called for “long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws,” following the attack. The Parkland students are also organizing a “March For Our Lives” rally in Washington D.C. later this week where they will call on lawmakers for gun safety laws.
You can read more about the letter obtained by Mic here.