(reprinted from the NY Post)

Obamas sent handwritten note to survivors of Parkland shooting

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, sent a handwritten note to students at the high school in Parkland, Florida, where a former student armed with an assault rifle gunned down 17 people last month.

The Obamas praised the survivors for sparking a movement against gun violence and working to “awaken the conscience of our nation,” according to the one-page note, a copy of which was obtained by the website Mic.

“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,” the Obamas wrote.

“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.”

The Obamas then encouraged the students — who have been attacked on social media by some gun rights supporters — to persevere in the face of inevitable adversity.

“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,” they wrote.

The Parkland survivors were the main organizers of the anti-gun-violence March for Our Lives rally scheduled for Saturday in the nation’s capital.