Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Campobasso region in Italy was struck by an earthquake which took the lives of 25 children and two teachers. Some 3,000 people are now homeless, and one can imagine the despair of the victims' families. Worth noting is the fact that a school, usually a safe place for children, was demolished while the surrounding buildings resisted the impact of the tremor, 5.4 on the Richter scale.
This House, I am sure, would want to convey to the victims' families and all those whose lives have been so abruptly disrupted our heartfelt condolences and our expression of sorrow. May the memory of these innocent victims become a source of inspiration in rebuilding a new future and in strengthening community bonds.