US President George Bush today vowed to remember the “days of sorrow” following the tsunami that swept across the Indian Ocean a year earlier and killed more than 200,000 people.
The president said the US will keep its commitment to help nations and their citizens rebuild.
“At this time of remembrance, the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with those who suffered from this tragedy,” Bush said in a statement.
“Our nation is proud of the efforts and generosity of our armed services, relief professionals, volunteers and all those who made contributions to the relief effort.
“We remain committed to helping the citizens of affected nations rebuild their economies, communities, and lives.”
Bush spoke as survivors on the other side of the globe wept and prayed beside mass graves and beachside memorials on the anniversary of the tsunami that crashed ashore in a dozen nations. Entire villages were swept away.
Former presidents Bill Clinton and George HW Bush have been leading the US effort to raise money for tsunami victims.
Bush was travelling from the presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland, to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, where he’ll continue his Christmas week holiday.