In the wake of the horrific Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama sent the students a heartfelt, handwritten note, expressing how inspired they were by the determination and resilience of student protesters demanding gun control.
The letter, dated March 10, was originally obtained by Mic.
The first couple wrote:
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.
It is a sentiment that Barack Obama has expressed before, tweeting out just days after the shooting that “young people have helped lead all our great movements,” adding that “we’ve got your backs.”