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Greensburg's Main Street, the soon-to-be heart of the town is coming along in its reconstruction, but not as quickly as some had hoped. Many wanted Main Street to ready for the Grand Opening on May 21st, but the streetscape is progressing slower than planned. Despite these obstacles, the residents stay hopeful. For many, this means looking at how far the town has come.
Reflecting back to the state of Greensburg, Kansas after the tornado hit, and seeing how it is progressing today is truly inspirational, not just to Kansas, but to the entire county. It is exactly this message that President Obama relays in his address to Congress. And Greensburg Mayor Bob Dixson is elated to witness this speech in person.
Dixson is honored by the invitation to meet the First Lady and President Obama, and to go to Washington, D.C. to witness the president's address to a joint session of congress. Surprised by the invitation, Dixson remarks that at first he wondered if an old friend might be playing a prank. But the mystery invitation becomes a reality when he reaches the nation's capital. As he watches the president speak, he is surprised once again when Obama commends the remarkable spirit of Greensburg:
President Obama:
"I think about Greensburg, Kansas, a town that was completely destroyed by a tornado, but is being rebuilt by its residents as a global example of how clean energy can power an entire community ? how it can bring jobs and businesses to a place where piles of bricks and rubble once lay. "The tragedy was terrible," said one of the men who helped them rebuild. "But the folks here know that it also provided an incredible opportunity."
Dixson explains that feels proud and excited to be part of such an inspiring venture. He is also thankful that the President would point out their accomplishments and hard work, as this certainly helps the town, and the country stay hopeful in difficult times.
Bob Dixson:
"People are seeing that there is hope after a disaster. They want to see some success stories and hope in the forefront. People can see that there is hope in the future in the midst of everything that's going on in the United States right now."
Inspiration can be found in many places, and for many it can easily be found in Greensburg, Kansas. The hard work and strong spirit of the town shine through as its residents work to rebuild all they had lost. Eventually, Main Street will be finished and the streetscape will be yet another accomplishment for the town that is not only rebuilding, but rebuilding green.
Read communities going green:
6 Need-to-Know Lessons from Top Young Environmentalists
How to Go Green: In the Community
Organize a Neighborhood Cleanup in 6 Steps
Talking the Talk, Greening the Block
