thanking Haiti

I was looking through the newspaper from earlier this past week, and I discovered the most wonderful and unexpected thing:  a full page ad thanking Haiti for solidarity and support following the tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011. 

Thanks from Japan to Haiti
Le Nouvelliste
March 12-13, 2012

How many people thank Haiti?  How many people even realize that Haiti is a giving place, too?  I guarantee you, for example, that the United Thank Offering annual in-gathering, a much bigger deal here than it is many places, is taken quite seriously.    

Here is a rough translation of the first bit:

It has been a year since the great earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011 which struck the Pacific coast of Tohuko. On this occasion, I would like once more to present my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

Following the disaster, there were many in Haiti who gave us their support: the government, NGO’s, businesses, local groups, academic and religious institutions, including citizens of all generations. It was very moving to see the great number of charitable events organized by different associations. These witnesses of solidarity truly warmed our hearts, and for that I wish to express my most sincere thanks.




 It is signed by the Japanese ambassador to Haiti.   He gets points in my book.