The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 03, 2025
Today: April 03, 2025

Milwaukee Dancing Grannies send message of hope to New Orleans after similar tragedy

January 02, 2025

    MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (WISN) -- A tragic incident unfolded on New Year's Day in New Orleans when a man drove a truck into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and the injuries of 35 others.

The event has drawn parallels to the November 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy in Wisconsin, where six people were killed and more than 60 injured when a man drove through the parade route.

Among those killed were members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies performance group Leanna Owen, Virginia Sorenson, and Tamara Durand.

"That's how I felt back then, between being numb and in shock and disbelief. It's like, this is for Waukesha. It was a parade, a holiday parade being joyous. And how could this even happen?" Jean Knutsen said with the Dancing Grannies said.

In response to the New Orleans tragedy, the Dancing Grannies group, which has become a symbol of resilience following their own tragedy, shared a message of support.

"This was not the message I planned for this day. Our brothers and sisters in NOLA have experienced madness and horror. There are no words to say how much our hearts break for our much loved 610 Stompers and the people of New Orleans.

Stay strong. It's a long hard road. While you will never be the same, healing is possible. We are with you however we can be."

The renowned 610 Stompers and the Dancing Grannies formed a special connection when the 610 Stompers, known as "Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Moves," reached out to the Dancing Grannies following the 2021 Waukesha tragedy.

"We said that the first year was what I call a year of survival. Just figuring out how we're going to get through this. And we were determined with every parade we did. I think New Orleans brought joy back to us that we were able now," Jan Kwiatkowski said.

The groups have since formed a close friendship, with the Dancing Grannies performing at Mardi Gras in February 2023 at the invitation of the 610 Stompers.

"You know, tragedy brought us together. But there's always going to be the love between us," Jean Knutsen said.

The New Orleans group later joined the Grannies in Waukesha for their July 4th parade, during which the mayor declared "Dancing Grannies and 610 Stompers Day" in recognition of their healing partnership.

The Dancing Grannies continue to spread a message of hope.

"Healing is possible. You will never be the same. And part of the mission of the grannies is to bring some of that joy back into the world," Kwiatkowski said.

Local authorities continue investigating the New Orleans incident. As the investigation progresses, further details about the victims and circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be released.

Related Articles

Bishop T.D. Jakes is stable after suffering โ€˜health incidentโ€™ during Sunday sermon, church says Finnish investors to buy Helsinki Arena from sanctioned Russians Two-time shark attack survivor in Florida says he canโ€™t wait to surf again Longtime Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is on the mend after 2 surgeries
Share This

Popular

Arts|Celebrity|Entertainment

Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo tease new 'Wicked: For Good' footage during CinemaCon victory lap

Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo tease new 'Wicked: For Good' footage during CinemaCon victory lap
Arts|Education|Entertainment|Health

Florida teen overcomes health complications from spider bite, publishes children's book

Florida teen overcomes health complications from spider bite, publishes children's book
Arts|Political|US

Head of Washington's African American History museum on personal leave, Washington Post reports

Head of Washington's African American History museum on personal leave, Washington Post reports
Americas|Arts|Crime|Entertainment|Political

US revokes visas of Mexican band members after cartel leader's face was projected at a concert

US revokes visas of Mexican band members after cartel leader's face was projected at a concert

Crime

Americas|Crime|Economy|Political|World

Thousands of Haitians take to streets to protest surging gang violence

Thousands of Haitians take to streets to protest surging gang violence
Crime|Education|MidEast|Political|US

Federal judge to consider case of Georgetown fellow arrested by ICE

Federal judge to consider case of Georgetown fellow arrested by ICE
Crime|Political|Sports|US

SafeSport knew of allegations against former cop before hiring him as investigator

SafeSport knew of allegations against former cop before hiring him as investigator
Americas|Crime|Political|US

US arrests alleged MS-13 gang leader linked to Nevada murders

US arrests alleged MS-13 gang leader linked to Nevada murders