On this International Children’s Day, my heart is with those young survivors of the recent earthquake in China. If all children are angles, they are the angles with broken wings. In a matter of minutes, these children lost the world that they once knew – their homes, schools, teachers, friends and to many of them, their families. And what could possibly console these little aching souls?

Perhaps it will take years if not a lifetime for their wounds to heal. Perhaps love and care from the society could never replace the ones from their own parents. But dear children, please remember that you all survived for a reason, because of a reason. Some of you were shielded by your parents and teachers who sacrificed their own lives, some saved others, and all of you had the greatest desire to live. The reason is love, courage and hope. On this day, I salute you all, our little angels in Sichuan. Don't forget that you are loved and the world needs you.  I pray that you will fly again soon one day, as far and as high as you ever could.  六一快乐！