FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
May 5, 2011
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE THANKS JAPANESE GOVERNMENT
FOR DONATION TO ALABAMA’S TORNADO VICTIMS
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange thanked representatives
from the government of Japan for remembering Alabama’s tornado victims even as they
are still in the midst of recovery from the massive earthquake and tsunami that recently
devastated their own country. Attorney General Strange was on hand with other
federal and state officials to formally accept a donation of commodities delivered to a
warehouse in Montgomery this afternoon.
“On behalf of the State of Alabama, I want to express to the citizens of Japan our
deep gratitude for this gracious donation to our own disaster victims even as they are
still suffering from the aftermath of the tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck their
own country,” said Attorney General Strange. “As I have traveled throughout Alabama
this last week visiting with people who are struggling from the tornado damage, I can
assure that these supplies are greatly needed and will be much appreciated by our
people. This gesture is a sign of the goodwill between our countries, for which we are
thankful.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will distribute the gift of 8,000
blankets and 150 huge pieces of plastic sheeting as part of response operations. This
donation was presented as a symbol of the appreciation of the Japanese government for
the assistance from the United States after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Japanese officials made the presentation to pay respect to the people of Alabama who
suffered from the severe storms and tornadoes last week.
On behalf of Japan, the officials present for the ceremony were Mr. Takuji
Hanatani, Consul General of Japan, at the Japanese Consulate in Atlanta; and Mr.
Keiichiro Nakazawa, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation
Agency, U.S.A. Office, in Washington DC. The State of Alabama was represented by
Attorney General Luther Strange and Alabama Development Office Director Seth
Hammett. The U.S. government was represented by Mr. Michael Byrne, Federal
Coordinating Officer in Alabama from FEMA.
–30–
501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
