Michael Scanlan's Remarks at Ruth Waller Commemoration Ceremony

Good afternoon,

We are gathered here today, at this place where many notable Belarusians rest in peace, to pay homage to my fellow American and international relief worker Ruth Waller. 
Ruth was a member of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration Mission to Belarus in 1946 and she died in the prime of her life from a fatal disease contracted after saving a drowning Belarusian child.

The UNRRA’s work in Belarus is vividly and fondly remembered by those who experienced the famine and devastation after the Nazi occupation of Belarus and the many hardships of the reconstruction following the Second World War—a tragic period in history which brought about terrible loss of life, a displaced population, and ruined economies. 

UNRRA was present here, as in other war-ravaged European countries, to facilitate, coordinate, and provide international assistance to help Belarus recover. We are proud that much of the Belarusian assistance came from the United States as did most of the staff. This engagement continues as over the last 18 years the USG has delivered humanitarian items valued at about $265 million in 44 airlifts and over 1,100 surface shipments.

Today is also an opportunity to recall that period of multilateral cooperation when nations stood together for a common goal, and apply the lessons learned to create a brighter future. UNRRA’s work and Ruth Waller’s ultimate sacrifice are a manifestation of solidarity with the Belarusian people. The United Nations and the U.S. Government continue to work with Belarus to develop its potential. Our focus has shifted to working with Belarus to expand small and medium size business private sector, to open in 2011 an English language European accredited MBA program, and to strengthen the role of NGOs to help address issues of public health, social well being, and protection of the environment. Such programs bring Belarus a step closer to becoming an integrated part of Europe and bring the international community a step closer to completing the historic project of extending stability, security, prosperity, and democracy to the entire European continent. 

Through our joint efforts we can transform this vision into reality.

Thank You.