Statement by Ambassador Roos - Disaster Relief Shelter at Watanoha Elementary School

Ambassador Roos meets residents of the temporary shelter at Watanoha Elementary School (Photo by Ben Chang/U.S. Embassy)

Ambassador Roos meets residents of the temporary shelter at Watanoha Elementary School (Photo by Ben Chang/U.S. Embassy)

Ishinomaki, Japan
March 23, 2011, 4:16 p.m.

Thank you for having Susie and me here today. Nature - it can destroy precious human life, it can destroy property, but it cannot destroy the human spirit, and today here I've witnessed the best of humanity.

The thoughts and prayers of my country, the United States, are with you. We are here to help. We love you. We will be here for you today, tomorrow, in the months and years to come. The Japanese people, you in this room, are the most resilient people in the world and I know - I have no doubt - that you will recover from this horrible tragedy. Thank you.