Bridges of Reconciliation: Americans and their Love for Vietnam

(HTV) - The Vietnam-US relationship has made great strides, now reaching a comprehensive strategic partnership. This achievement is due to the important contributions of Americans who have devoted their lives to cultivating friendship with Vietnam over the past decades.

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Among them, Mr. John McAuliff - Executive Director of the US Foundation for Reconciliation and Development (FRD) stands out. First arriving in Hanoi on the historic day of April 30, 1975, he began a 50-year journey of deep attachment to Vietnam. His foundation has organized dozens of delegations for academic and cultural exchanges and "people's diplomacy " activities between the two countries. In particular, he is an active lobbyist for the US government to promote the process of normalizing Vietnam - US relations.

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Mr. John McAuliff shared that after the war, rebuilding initial trust was very difficult, suspicion between the two governments was very high. However, it was the dialogues, along with the activities of non-governmental organizations, veterans, humanitarian projects,educational exchanges such as the Fulbright scholarship later, that created effective "people's diplomacy". In less than a generation, important foundations for normalizing relations were formed.

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According to Mr. McAuliff, Vietnam is currently in a very special position. In today's multipolar world, Vietnam can play the role of mediator and conciliator, not only within ASEAN but also in the international arena. He acknowledged: "Vietnam is living proof that a country can open its economy, unleash the creative energy of its people, integrate internationally while still maintaining its sovereignty, national identity and socialist orientation. This is a valuable diplomatic lesson for many other countries."

John McAuliff - 50 years of commitment to Vietnam

Another American who has a special connection to Vietnam is the female writer Lady Borton. She is known for many books she translated and wrote about the war in Vietnam, about President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap. She is called "The Ambassador bringing Vietnamese culture to America and the world", or "The American woman who understands Vietnam most thoroughly". To her, Vietnam has become a second home.

Lady Borton, who speaks Vietnamese quite well, shared that she has had a lot of contact with the Vietnamese people. Through books and their stories, she has a deeper understanding of Vietnamese literature, culture, politics, and diplomacy. Vietnamese friends are always willing to help her when she has questions or does not understand something. She also spends a lot of time researching documents from many different sources, and anything related to Vietnam, she brings back to learn.

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Thanks to the tireless efforts of both countries and especially the valuable contributions of individuals such as Mr. John McAuliff and Ms. Lady Borton, the Vietnam - US relationship is getting better and better. They are the important bridges, contributing to promoting the normalization process, building a new relationship based on understanding, respect and for a sustainable peace.

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Source: https://htv.com.vn/nhung-nhip-cau-hoa-giai-nguoi-my-va-tinh-yeu-danh-cho-viet-nam