A letter from the Japanese Consulate

The need for aid in Japan is still great. Make an online donation at redcross.org or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

A letter we recieved yesterday from the Japanese consulate:

**************

To: Seattle Sounders FC, fans and volunteers
Date: March 15, 2011

I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation of the messages of sympathy we have received so far in response to the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the northeastern region of Japan on Friday, March 11th. Your compassion is deeply touching for us.

The government and people of Japan are grieving for the loss of tens of thousands of people who have lost their lives or are missing. We share this grief with our family and friends including you in the United States.

The government of Japan, led by Prime Minister Naoto Kan, is determined to do their best to rescue and care for the survivors of the disaster, and do our utmost to rebuild the region.

Many governments are extending offers of help to Japan, particularly the United States. We have already received Disaster Assistance Response and Urban Search and Rescue teams from the United States, and the USS Ronald Regan along with a dozen other ships from the 7th fleet are assisting relief efforts along the tsunami-stricken coast. We are extremely grateful for this aid from the United States.

This evening, I would like to express my gratitude to the Seattle Sounders and the Sounders’ fans for launching this drive, and to the people and government of Washington State, led by Governor Christine Gregoire. We are overwhelmed by your kind support.

A friend in need is a true friend indeed.

Arigatou gozaimashita!

Kiyokazu Ota
Consul General of Japan in Seattle

**************

On opening day, March 15, 2011, volunteers from the American Red Cross collected $22,500 from supporters at Qwest Field before the Seattle Sounders FC hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS First Kick. The need for aid in Japan is still great. Make an online donation at www.redcross.org or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.