3.11

On the occasion of tragedy one year ago, I extend a warm thank you to thousands around the world who aided the devastated country after the 9.0 earthquake struck Japan, which triggered a series of aftershocks and tsunamis. Thank you for standing together in time of crisis.
Let's rewind to the day the world heard of the disaster. What was shown on the news was unbelievable. Buildings swayed and toppled. Entire villages were washed away. Boats and cars were smashed like matchsticks by the tsunami waves. The scenes and sounds were nearly indescribable. In telling the story, it was civilians and journalists who picked up their cameras and captured moments that resulted in nearly 20,000 people dead and the most expensive natural disaster in world history.
But what was more unbelievable than the catastrophy of March 11, 2011, was the unwavering strength, bravery, and hope of Japanese people.
Today, the world looks back at Japan and sees a once-again powerful country rising from the debris. Highways are being rebuilt at top speed, schools reconstructed, thousands of tonnes of rubble cleared out, power lines are put back up, and neighborhoods that were reduced to bricks are back on their feet. Japanese people remain undaunted by the havoc nature has wreaked on their homeland as step by step they continue rebuilding their nation.

I hope the living are safe

I hope the missing are found

I hope the dead are at peace