A Message from Central-Hiroshima Rotary Club President Fumio Shimamoto
Presented by Koichi Matsumura
I’m from the Central Hiroshima Rotary Club. I am the director of the Volunteer Program. I have the honor to attend and present this speech today on the behalf of our President, (Mr.) Shimamoto.
I understand that the fire last summer took homes and work places from many people of this community. It injured and even took the lives of too many. I would like to take this time to express my sympathy and support for this community, and to the club members who were deeply affected.
The news of the fire in Santa Rosa was broadcasted in Japan, daily. We have had friendly relations with Santa Rosa since 1987. For 31 years, we have stayed connected through movements such as the Rotary youth exchange program.
Therefore, in Hiroshima, we were very concerned (worried) about our fellow club members' safety. In the next meeting, all 80 of our members wished to make contributions to deliver our support in some way. We hope the funds will aid the club in continuing daily actives, relieving damages from the recent disaster, and in continuing our student exchange program. On behalf of each member in Hiroshima, we deeply wish to further relations with Sunrise Rotary.
I hear that Ms. Debra, who attended the exchange program this year, wrote an article in the local newspaper about her experience in Hiroshima. I hear she felt that there was overlap in the burnt landscape in Santa Rosa, and the ruins and pictures she saw at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
It is our greatest pleasure to be able to offer an opportunity for youths, so that they can use the experiences they gain during their exchange in their daily lives. Just like Debra felt a connection with her home town while she was in a different country.
If you ever have the chance, please come visit Hiroshima. You will experience firsthand, our belief that the end of one thing is also the start of another.
Thank you for this valuable Friendship.
2/15/2018 Central-Hiroshima Rotary Club President Fumio Shimamoto
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