在2008年5月12日，四川省汶川县发生了大地震。这次地震造成了超过六万九千人丧生，三十七万多人受伤，十七万多人失踪。在地震发生后，各界人士都参与到救援中去。在那段时间，人们只关心一件事情，那就是尽可能的救助更加多的人，鼓励幸存者坚强面对灾难。七天过后，国家主席宣布五月19日定为全国哀悼日。在这一天，全国降半旗致哀。

The mourning day is to remember the people who lost their lives in the earthquake, on one hand, is to remind people do not forget that day, don’t forget about the past and look into the future; on the other hand, is to encourage the survivers to stay strong. Life is worth living for.

哀悼日是为了纪念那些在大地震中失去生命的人们。一方面，是为了提醒人们不要忘记那一天，不要忘记过去，要展望未来。另一方面，是为了鼓励幸存者坚强面对生活。生命值得去奋斗。

Although Earthquake had destroyed our home, but we can build a brand-new one. We can rebuild our hope. Just as Nixon said so, our destiny offers not the cup of despair, but the chalice of opportunity. So let us seize it, not in fear, but in gladness. Just have a little faith. Just try to remember that everything will be alright. We will find what we are looking for in the future.

虽然地震毁掉了我们的家园，但是我们可以重建一个新的家。我们可以重建希望。就像尼克松所说的那样：命运给以我们的不是失望之酒，而是机遇之杯。是的，让我们毫无害怕，满心愉悦地去操作独霸命运吧。只要有信心，只要记住最后一切都会变好。我们最终会找到自己想要的。

Wish the perished victims rest in peace and the survivors live in sprits.

愿逝者安息生者坚强。