23-05-2025
Joplin tornado victims honored with sculpture transfer ceremony
JOPLIN, Mo. — A sculpture meant to honor the lives lost in the 2011 Joplin tornado, now has an official home, on what is now the 14th anniversary of that devastating tornado.
A ceremony was held Thursday (5/22) at the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex, to transfer ownership of the Joplin Memorial Run sculpture.
The sculpture has been there since November 2022.
'Active Lifestyle Events' and local artist, Jorge Leyva, was responsible for the sculpture.
The organization oversaw the Memorial Run and held the final one last year.
'This is a memorial that serves a dual function with it having been shaped like the banners that came to symbolize the run and yet memorialize and remember the 161 names and people that were lost that day,' said Active Lifestyle Events President, Audie Dennis.
'Were honored that they decided to have it here. They were pleased. We said we would have it, that we will be trying to maintain the sculpture and care for it over the years so that it is a part of our community's history,' said Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex President, Sharon Beshore.
The sculpture is located near 8th Street and Joplin Avenue, on the Cornell Complex property.
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