Nationwide Event Planned to Commemorate Tsunami Tragedy

Washington, DC – The Society for Indonesian-Americans (SIA) announced today plans to conduct a nationwide candlelight vigil commemorating the tragic event of December 26, 2004 befalling Indonesia and other South Asian countries. Simultaneous events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. on Friday, February 4. The local event will take place from 7:00 – 8:30 pm in Washington DC. at the Embassy of Indonesia located at 2020 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., between 20th and 21st street.

The program will consist of a moment of silence, several speakers, films, and photographs. Participants will be linked together via a nationwide conference call. The keynote speaker will be Ambassador Soemadi D.M Brotodiningrat. In addition, a representative from Mercy Corps will provide an update on their tsunami relief efforts on site in Aceh, Sumatra, the hardest hit area in the region.

George Tirajoh, Chairman/President of SIA, stated “The Society for Indonesian-Americans (SIA), based out of Washington, D.C., is promoting solidarity and remembrance among Indonesian Americans and Friends throughout the United States for the victims of the tsunami 40 days after the tragedy (which is a traditional time of memorialization) on February 4, 2005. We encourage all members of the community, regardless of nationality, who wish to pay their respects to attend. SIA looks to the future as Indonesian-Americans playing an important role to bridge communication, understanding, and trust between Indonesia and the U.S. ”

All those wishing to attend are invited to the Embassy for the activities which begin at 7PM. In addition to the program as described above, donations of clothing and children’s toys will be welcomed.

For complete details, please visit the SIA website at www.sianews.org