Helping the tsunami victims

Helping the tsunami victims

George W. Bush, Washington D.C.

Americans join those across the globe in mourning the tens of
thousands of lives, many of them children, who were lost in the
recent violent tsunamis from Thailand to the Horn of Africa.
Across America, the American flag flew at half-staff last week in
honor of the victims of this catastrophic event.

I commend those individuals, countries, and international
organizations that are donating money, supplies, transport and
logistics, and personnel to help those in the paths of the
tsunamis. Together, people across the globe are providing relief
to these countries.

The U.S. government has made an initial commitment of US$350
million for disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction
for victims of the tsunami. I have also sent members of America's
armed forces to the region to support the relief efforts. United
States Air Force planes are distributing aid 24 hours a day.

The United States Navy has deployed the Abraham Lincoln
carrier group to Indonesia with relief supplies and additional
aircraft that will help reach those victims in desperate need in
isolated areas. Additional American military personnel will
arrive soon to assist with relief activities. In consultation
with key allies and with the United Nations, the United States
launched one of the largest humanitarian relief operations in
recent history.

Secretary of State Colin Powell and Governor Jeb Bush of
Florida visited the Indian Ocean region last week, meeting with
fellow leaders and international organizations to assess the
relief efforts and remaining needs. The international community
is gathering in Geneva to develop a reconstruction plan and to
raise funds to help southern Asia.

In America, our government will aid these efforts, but
America's greatest source of generosity lies in the hearts of the
American people. Since the tsunamis, American children and adults
have contributed millions of dollars for disaster relief and
reconstruction. They join the outpouring of generosity from
around the world.

I have asked former Presidents Bush and Clinton to work with
all Americans in this important humanitarian relief effort, as we
express our country's sympathy for the victims of a great
tragedy. The former Presidents are asking Americans to donate to
charities that are already providing help to tsunami victims.
These organizations have dispatched experts to the disaster area,
and they know what is required to meet the needs on the ground.

Americans have suffered great natural tragedies, from
earthquakes, to destructive wildfires, to hurricanes. We know
that nothing can take away the grief of those affected. Americans
will do all we can to help the people of Asia confront the great
challenges that face them in the aftermath of this devastation.

We offer our sympathy to those who lost loved ones, our
compassion to those suffering, and America's sustained commitment
to help the people affected by the tsunamis rebuild.

The writer is the President of the United States of America.