JOPLIN, Missouri (AFP) – President Barack Obama, paying tribute to victims of one of deadliest tornadoes in US history, pledged Sunday to stand with Joplin, Missouri “every step of the way” as it rebuilds.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Obama told a memorial service at Missouri Southern State University.

“We will be with you every step of the way,” the president said, raising his voice over applause. “The cameras may leave, the spotlight may shift. But we will be with you every step of the way until Joplin is restored and this community is back on its feet.”

The massive tornado, which killed 142 people in this town of 50,000, was one of the worst ever in the United States.

Officials said late Sunday that at least 43 people remain missing, down from a list of 232 missing persons that was released on May 26.

The president’s motorcade drove through some of the hardest-hit areas, stopping along with Nixon to talk to residents, many of whose homes were destroyed by the 200 miles per hour (300 kilometer per hour) winds.

Obama: Missouri tornado disaster a national ...

Gov. Jay Nixon, Pres. Barack Obama and Joplin Mayor Michael Woolston

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110529/ts_afp/usweathertornado

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