April Remembrance: Meet friends from the Berkeley anti-war movement.

Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco, Hoang Anh Tuan, affirmed that the students at Berkeley ignited the flame of opposition to the Vietnam War, initiating a widespread anti-war movement throughout the United States.

On April 27th, in Berkeley, California (USA), a delegation from the Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan, attended a cordial meeting with former Berkeley University students who played a pioneering role in the anti-Vietnam War movement more than half a century ago.

The meeting took place in a warm, simple yet deeply moving atmosphere at the home of Mr. Pham Van Tich – a living witness of the anti-war movement and a connector of peace- loving souls from both Vietnam and the United States. The anti-war movement, originating from the fervent days at Berkeley University from 1968-1973, has become an indispensable part of the Vietnamese people's struggle for independence and peace.

From the initial efforts of students at Berkeley, the flame of protest quickly spread to San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and cities large and small across the United States, creating an unprecedented wave of anti-war sentiment in American history.

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan spoke at the meeting, expressing sincere emotion and deep gratitude to the friends who stood alongside Vietnam during its most difficult times. He emphasized the immense significance of the anti-war movement not only for Vietnam but also for the historical process of humanity towards peace and justice.

The Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco shared: "More than half a century ago, in Berkeley, you – the pioneering students – ignited the flame of opposition to the Vietnam War, initiating a powerful anti-war movement that spread throughout the United States. It was a movement of peace-loving American students, with the enthusiastic support of Vietnamese students. With indomitable spirit, humanitarian ideals, and courage, you created a voice of conscience, touching millions of hearts, contributing to changing the course of history, and opening up important changes for peace in Vietnam and the world ."

Today, looking back on the journey we have taken, we increasingly appreciate the silent but immense contributions of Vietnamese and American students who bravely stood up for peace, justice, and a better world.

Recalling those spirited days, Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized that the anti-war movement was not simply about street protests, but also a symbol of global civic responsibility, profound humanity, and a strong belief in the right of all nations to live in peace.

Prolonged marches on the avenues, persistent sit-ins in front of government buildings, tireless speeches and debates at universities and in the media—all created immense social pressure, shaking the American government's will to continue the war.

It was thanks to that strong wave of protests that the US government was forced to sit down at the negotiating table, leading to the signing of the Paris Agreement in 1973, officially ending military intervention and withdrawing troops from South Vietnam. This was a historical turning point, a prerequisite for the complete victory of the Vietnamese people in the spring of 1975, the day the country was completely reunified.

Today, looking back on the journey we have taken, we increasingly appreciate the silent but immense contributions of Vietnamese and American students who bravely stood up for peace, justice, and a better world.

Expressing gratitude to the former students who spearheaded the protest movement more than 50 years ago, Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan said: "On behalf of the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco, I would like to express my gratitude to all Vietnamese and American friends who stood with Vietnam during those difficult times. This April, as Vietnam celebrates the 50th anniversary of peace and national reunification, we will never forget the unwavering loyalty that helped us overcome the darkest moments."

Beyond simply recalling glorious historical events, the meeting also served as an opportunity to look towards the future. Affirming strong belief in the current Vietnam-US relationship, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan stated: "Vietnam today is a dynamic country, actively contributing to regional and global peace and security. Vietnam and the United States have become comprehensive strategic partners, cooperating in many fields from economics, education, science and technology to defense and security."

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thang-tu-tri-an-gap-go-nhung-nguoi-ban-tu-phong-trao-phan-chien-berkeley-312925.html