Ahead of the national March for Our Lives march against gun violence, Mic obtained a March 10 letter from former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, addressed to the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where a mass shooter killed 17 people in February.
In the handwritten letter, the Obamas wrote they were inspired by the students' bravery and praised them for calling for an end to gun violence. Read it in full below:
To the students of Parkland —
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.
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.
Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better. There may be setbacks; you may sometimes feel like progress is too slow in coming. But we have no doubt you are going to make an enormous difference in the days and years to come, and we will be there for you.
Barack Obama Michelle Obama
While the letter was dated weeks after the shooting, the Obamas had both also tweeted in support of the students and common sense gun laws in the days after the shooting took place. In one tweet, he wrote, "We've got your backs," former President Obama wrote, and "we're behind you every step of the way," Michelle added.
Last week, students across the nation joined together in a national walkout during school hours to honor victims of gun violence and raise awareness. The March For Our Lives march against gun violence and for better gun control laws is this Saturday in Washington D.C., and there will also be marches across the country.
