The House of Representatives of Vermont has introduced a concurrent resolution to commemorate the tragic events that occurred on March 11, 2011, in the Tohoku region of Japan, which included a devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake, a subsequent tsunami, and a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. This catastrophic series of events resulted in significant loss of life, with official counts reporting 19,759 deaths, 2,553 missing persons, and over 6,000 injuries. The earthquake, the largest ever recorded in Japan, triggered a tsunami that inundated vast coastal areas and caused extensive damage, leading to an estimated financial cost exceeding $300 billion.

As part of the resolution, the Vermont General Assembly expresses its deep sorrow for the impact of these disasters on Japan and acknowledges the ongoing remembrance of these events, particularly as the world reflects on them on the upcoming 15th anniversary in 2026. Additionally, the resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to key figures, including the Consul General of Japan in Boston and individuals who have worked to foster friendship and cultural understanding between Japan and Vermont, highlighting the importance of international solidarity and support in the face of such tragedies.