Australia ? Australians held a national day of mourning for the victims of wildfires that killed hundreds this month, and survivors were promised the nation would support them in the massive task of rebuilding.

Tears flowed as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the hellish blazes of “Black Saturday” on Feb. 7 — which killed more than 200 people — had tested the nation’s character, and the response was courage, compassion and resilience.

“All these are precious lives. No words can provide solace for grief so personal. But simply know this: You who suffer are not alone,” he said.

Rudd said governments at all levels had failed communities hit by tragedy in the past, and this must not be allowed in the fire-devastated towns.

He promised “a solemn contract with each of these communities to rebuild, brick by brick, home by home, school by school, church by church, street by street.”

He also announced that the tragedy would be marked each Feb. 7 by the lowering of flags on government buildings to half-staff and a moment’s silence.