Obamas’ personal letter to Parkland students thanks them for awakening the nation’s conscience

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wrote a letter of condolence and encouragement to the students of Parkland, Florida, earlier in March, according to Mic, which obtained a copy of the letter.

What are the details?

Less than a month after the mass killing at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which claimed the lives of 17 people, the Obamas sent a message of support and hope.

"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 letter began.

The Obamas went on to acknowledge the students' role in awakening the conscience of the nation.

"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 letter added.

The Obamas went on to offer their support to the young people, whom they feel will make a distinct difference in America's future.

"Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better," the letter concluded. "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."

EXCLUSIVE: Here’s the letter @BarackObama and @MichelleObama wrote to the #ParklandShooting survivors. In it, the former president and first lady tell the teens that they’ve “inspired” them, and commend them on “awakening the conscience of our nation.” https://t.co/FOQYVguNFw pic.twitter.com/xEPHE6iUL2

— Mic (@mic) March 21, 2018

Barack offered his own expression of grief in a tweet the day after the massacre.

"We are grieving with Parkland," he wrote. "But we are not powerless. Caring for our kids is our first job. And until we can honestly say that we're doing enough to keep them safe from harm, including long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want, then we have to change."

We are grieving with Parkland. But we are not powerless. Caring for our kids is our first job. And until we can honestly say that we're doing enough to keep them safe from harm, including long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want, then we have to change.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 15, 2018