US thanks Ireland for aid and sympathy
Many thousands of people in a very large area also lost their homes and livelihoods.
As we in the United States recover and rebuild, we will also identify the mistakes made in our response so that we can learn from them.
In the meantime, the focus is on alleviating the suffering, and even a country with tremendous resources needs the help of friends to get through a disaster.
Ireland’s assistance - both officially in the aid rendered through the American Red Cross and through the EU, and privately through the many, many individual donations large and small sent to the embassy - has been of very real and concrete assistance to the needy and suffering in New Orleans, Mississippi, and elsewhere. The American people are grateful.
In addition, we have received hundreds of expressions of sympathy and solidarity from Irish citizens from all walks of life.
As used to Irish generosity as I am, I am humbled by the response. Coming as they do near the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, I believe the thoughts and prayers of the Irish people are all the more welcome in America.
I am also mindful that there is much suffering in other parts of the world and I continue to be impressed by the capacity of the Irish people to care and offer assistance.
Many in Ireland disagree with aspects of US foreign policy, and many have criticised our handling of this crisis. We welcome such views, and listen to them, because they come from a free people with a long history of friendship with the United States.
We also count on the continued goodwill of the Irish people and their concern for the fate of all Americans on a human level, and we have not been let down.
I want therefore to express my deep appreciation and thanks to the Irish people and Government for their support and help at this difficult time for Americans.
James C Kenny
United States Ambassador to Ireland
American Embassy
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
