Bostonians Hold Vigil For Japan Earthquake Victims

BOSTON (CBS) - Bostonians showed their sympathy and support Monday night for the victims of Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

A 5 p.m. candlelight vigil was held at the Old South Church at Copley Square.  The Japan Society of Boston hosted the event, which was free and open to the public.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports.

Hearing the Japanese national anthem at the event brought back memories to Rachel DePalma, an English teacher who was in Iwaki, Japan when the quake struck.

"I couldn't help but think back to the last time I heard it, which was actually a few hours before the earthquake on Friday," said DePalma.

DePalma returned to the U.S. last Wednesday.

"I felt so guilty every time I've taken a drink of water or washed my hands. You just can't understand the importance of water until you find yourself for four days rationing out Gatorade," said DePalma.

Despite what she went through, she wants to return to the country she calls her second home.

"The people there, they need your help and they need your prayers," said DePalma.

DePalma was joined by a number of other distinguished guests, including Takeshi Hikihara, Consul General of Japan Boston; Peter Grilli, President, Japan Society of Boston; Professor Andrew Gordon, Director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at Harvard University; and Mr. Evan Storer, an earthquake/tsunami survivor who was teaching in Iwaki.