Today, we are here to commemorate our compatriots who perished in the September 21 earthquake. In our hearts, we bear the most profound sorrow, but also the most genuine hope. We pray that our solemn reflections and sincere prayers will bring eternal rest to all those who died in the earthquake and lead all our compatriots out of sorrow into the future.
Many people have lost their homes, their closest kin, and best friends in the earthquake, which has caused irreparable loss to our homeland and left life-long scars in the hearts of all our compatriots. However, as a religious leader once said, "All the people who died in the September 21 earthquake were noble Buddhas and teachers, who taught us a lesson with their lives. They suffered the catastrophe for the 22 million people of Taiwan and saved our future generations. From our past mistakes, we must learn to gratefully lead new lives, so that harmony and righteousness will prevail in society."
Leaving behind the pain and anguish does not mean that we have forgotten the past. With a grateful heart we can cherish our own existence and even more positively face our future together. Only then can the souls of those who died in the earthquake receive due consolation. Therefore, although we have borne irreparable pain and sorrow, as long as we are still alive, there is hope, opportunity, and a future for us. Let us pray that we can all transform the anguish of losing our loved ones into strength to rebuild our homes. Through objective actions, let us realize our love for this land and create new, harmonious, and beautiful prospects for future generations.
Finally, I would like to share the Psalm 23 with you:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pasture: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Let us not lose heart in distress. Rather, let us summon our courage and join together to create an even brighter future.