Prayers offered at memorial ceremony
The government has held a ceremony to remember the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan a year ago.
About 1,200 people, including the Emperor and the Empress, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and families of the victims, attended Sunday's ceremony in Tokyo.
Participants prayed for the victims at 2:46 PM, the exact moment when the earthquake struck.
Noda said many people are still forced to live restricted lives, and the government will do its best to help those who are trying to make their hometowns a safer place to live.
He said he will revive Fukushima and to do his utmost to bring back the beautiful hometowns.
The Emperor said many difficulties lie ahead in the process of reconstruction. He called on the people to think of those who are suffering and to work for recovery and reconstruction.
He said it is important to pass on the experience to future generations, to raise awareness of disaster prevention, and to build a safe country.
The Emperor left hospital just one week ago after heart surgery. Despite the worries of the Imperial Household Agency and the Empress, he took part in the ceremony, but for a shorter time than originally planned.
Three family members of victims from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures spoke at the ceremony.
Eriko Okuda lost her son just one week after he got married. She said her grandson was born last July, and he is giving her a reason to live.
She said she would like to thank the people from around the country and the world who supported the residents of the affected areas, and they will return the favor by living their lives while looking forward.
Overseas participants also offered flowers and prayed for the victims.
Sunday, March 11, 2012 18:25 +0900 (JST)
Please read complete article at link below:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120311_19.html
Editor's note: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan. The courage of the Emperor attending the memorial so soon after open heart surgery exemplifies the mettle of Japanese people. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
KawamotoDragon.com
Sunday, March 11, 2012
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