U.S. Reaction to Armenian Earthquake
Annotation
On 7 December 1988, an earthquake with a 6.9 magnitude struck the Soviet Republic of Armenia. With powerful aftershocks continuing for months following, Armenia struggled to recover. By United Nations' estimates, more than 25,000 people were killed, 15,000 more injured, and the physical damage equaled $14.2 billion (U.S.). In order to respond to the disaster Soviet authorities allowed international relief organizations to lend assistance. In this speech, U. S. President Ronald Reagan acknowledged the contributions made by American relief workers in Armenia. In addition to his thanks, several of his comments were intended for Soviet authorities, with comments such as his "universal message" that "every life is infinitely precious." By stressing the unity of mankind, President Reagan suggested a better future, free from Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Text
Remarks to American Participants in the Armenian Earthquake Rescue Efforts
December 22, 1988
Over the last 2 weeks, the hearts of the American people have gone out
to the people of Armenia as they grappled with the earthquake disaster
and its aftermath. The world wept at the terrible magnitude of the
destruction and the tremendous loss of life: whole villages and cities
virtually leveled. Great numbers of men, women, and children were
trapped beneath fallen buildings in one of the worst earthquake disasters
ever to occur. Tens of thousands were killed, countless numbers injured,
and many others tragically missing.
But no sooner had we learned of the disaster and of the great need that
existed than you and so many other Americans organized to help. Rescue
workers and medical teams from across the country flew to the Soviet
Union where you searched for the living and gave care to those who were
injured. And thanks to your immediate response and special skills,
precious lives were saved.
Here in Washington, the people in AID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster
Assistance worked around the clock to coordinate the effort. And thanks
to people from this country and from throughout the international
community, direct assistance and desperately needed supplies were able
to reach the survivors. And throughout this period, American relief
organizations, churches, and the American-Armenian community have
produced a great humanitarian response, which continues providing all
forms of material assistance to that devastated area.
Ladies and gentlemen, thanks to people like you here today, the
Armenians have not had to face this tragedy alone. And for that I want to
personally thank you on behalf of every American. Those of you who
answered the appeal for help, who have assisted in the relief effort, and
those who flew to the Soviet Union and sifted through the rubble,
searching for life against all odds, carried with you a message from
America. It was a message of peace. You conveyed what was truly a
universal message, one for us all to remember at this time of year: that
every life is infinitely precious, a gift from God. So, whatever language we
speak, whatever country we may live in, whatever our race or religious
faith, we're all one people on this Earth. And in times of suffering, in the
face of natural disaster, we're drawn by our common humanity to help
one another, to join in a great brotherhood of man.
The lesson for this season is for us to love one another, and that's
something you have shown in a very real and important way. So, for this
let me say: Thank you, and God bless you all.
Note: The President spoke at 11:52 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
White House.
Credits
Ronald Reagan, "Remarks to American Participants in the Armenian Earthquake Rescue Efforts," speech, The White House, Washington, D.C., May 12, 1988, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Public Papers, Reagan Library, (accessed May 1, 2007).