Today marks the one year anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti. Nearly a quarter of a million lives were lost, more than three hundred thousand people were injured and more than a million people were left homeless. The President called it a “cruel and incomprehensible” blow to a nation that has known its share of hardship and suffering. None of us will soon forget the images of despair in the days after the earthquake, or the moments of hope as Americans joined together with people from around the world in a massive humanitarian effort.
This is an important time for us to reflect on the important progress that’s been made, and the many players who have made it possible, while reaffirming the American commitment to Haiti and looking ahead to the work that remains to be done in cooperation with the Haitian people and international partners.
Today, we remember the Americans who were on the ground within 24 hours of the earthquake, starting the work of immediate lifesaving and rescues that would continue for weeks— a U.S. Coast Guard team, a disaster assistance response team and portions of two U.S. urban search and rescue teams.
We remember the millions of Americans—one in every two American households— who showed their tremendous generosity and compassion by sending contributions to Haiti.
We remember the non-governmental organizations who swept in to provide immediate relief, and continue there today, helping to rebuild the country.
And we recognize, especially, the Haitian people, who, through the unprecedented devastation of the earthquake itself, decades of widespread poverty, Hurricane Tomas, and cholera, have demonstrated dignity, strength and resilience.
Fonte: White House