As many families sat down to dinner on the evening of May 22, 2012 a massive wedge tornado barreled through southwest Missouri. It was the last day of normalcy in Joplin.

As many families sat down to dinner on the evening of May 22, 2012 a massive wedge tornado barreled through southwest Missouri. It was the last day of normalcy in Joplin.

The twister would destroy over 7,500 homes and kill 161 people in the process. St. Mary's Catholic Church would fall victim to the 250 mile per hour winds, but the cross would remain standing.

"I thought, Wow! God is really with us, and he's letting us know he is going to take care of us," said Father Justin Monaghan, Pastor of the Church.

Joplin High School, also in the path of the twister, held it's second commencement ceremony since the disaster, President Obama served as the keynote speaker.

"Some of you will ultimately end up leaving Joplin. But I'm pretty confident that Joplin will never leave you," said Obama.

The school was completely destroyed as it took a direct hit, and has been operating from within the city mall. But the school's principal says it will return with a new building and a new sense of pride.

"It's really going to shine, it's going to be a beacon of hope for the city of Joplin," said Principal Kerry Sachetta. "I think when people drive by it they're going to be proud of it, and I think kids are going to want to be in the school."

Over the last year, make shift memorials have become landmarks. Today many took time to just stop and reminisce.

"It made me more appreciative of what I've got, but it's made me not take things for granted as much," said Jeff Vreeland, resident of Joplin.

Citizens of this once spirit broken city took the day off from rebuilding to pay their respect. But as the sun rises tomorrow, so will they. Along with the healing process and the rebirth of a now more united city.

Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean acknowledges the challenges ahead but believes the the people of Joplin are made for it.

"We have a long road to travel, but the way that everyone is working together and unifying and chipping in, we're going to make it."