[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 9 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E53]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF THE JANUARY 12, 2010 EARTHQUAKE 
                                IN HAITI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2012

  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the quarter 
of a million Haitians who lost their lives during the devastating 
earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010. As we reflect on the two 
years that have passed since this tragedy, it is important to express 
our gratitude to those who have helped rebuild Haiti and renew our 
commitment to further assist survivors.
  In the aftermath of the earthquake, over 50 percent of American 
households donated to earthquake victims, and the United States 
dispatched 20,000 civilian and military personnel to Haiti. These 
Americans put into operation the largest urban food distribution in 
history to 3.5 million people, provided emergency shelter to 1.5 
million people, and implemented a vaccination campaign for more than 1 
million people. Within the past two years, aid has shifted from rescue 
efforts to innovative reconstruction and development strategies. Still, 
there remains much more work to be done. The generosity of millions of 
people around the globe gives us hope that Haiti will be rebuilt.
  The South Florida community displayed its continued commitment to the 
reconstruction of Haiti at a special event recognizing the two year 
anniversary of the earthquake on January 8th, 2012. Arranged by the 
Democratic Haitian American Caucus of Florida, the event included a 
Catholic Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, a memorial service at 
Parish Hall, and a donation drive in partnership with a church group to 
collect supplies for victims.
  I am proud to represent so many men and women in South Florida who in 
these past two years have supported our vibrant Haitian community in a 
myriad of ways, from housing displaced victims to donating supplies for 
reconstruction. As we remember those lost in this devastating natural 
disaster two years ago, we must reaffirm our commitment to helping 
Haiti rebuild their nation and forge a better future for themselves and 
their families.

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