'Lighting the fire of faith' helps Agent Orange victims have confidence in life

On the evening of August 1, in Hanoi, the art exchange program "Lighting the Fire of Faith" took place, organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, the Office of the Standing Agency of the National Steering Committee for Overcoming the Consequences of Post-War Bombs, Mines and Toxic Chemicals in Vietnam (Office 701), and the Military Radio and Television Center, to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the Agent Orange Disaster in Vietnam (August 10, 1961 - August 10, 2023) and respond to the Month of Action for Victims of Agent Orange (August 2023).

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Rinh - Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin - presented Certificates of Gratitude for their golden hearts for Agent Orange victims to groups and philanthropists. Photo: VNA

The program was attended by Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Mass Mobilization Commission Bui Thi Minh Hoai; Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha; representatives of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, central departments, ministries and branches, international guests; officials, members, victims of Agent Orange; officers and soldiers of the armed forces and the masses.

The art exchange program “Lighting the Fire of Faith” was organized and elaborately staged with many scenes and songs describing in part the harsh and catastrophic consequences of the chemical warfare conducted by the US in South Vietnam from 1961 to 1971; affirming the attention of the Party, the State, all levels and sectors, the coordination and contribution of domestic and foreign agencies, organizations and individuals in the work of overcoming the consequences of toxic chemicals - dioxin. The program also left an impression with many profound and emotional sharing through the exchange with typical examples. At the same time, it was an opportunity to commend and express gratitude to businesses, organizations and individuals who always accompany and support victims of Agent Orange.

Speaking at the program, Head of the Central Committee for Mass Mobilization Bui Thi Minh Hoai affirmed that over the years, the Party and the State have always paid attention to, led, directed, and had many policies and strategies to deal with the consequences of Agent Orange. Every year, the State allocates tens of thousands of billions of VND in the budget to subsidize, provide health care, and rehabilitate victims, and support areas that are particularly difficult due to the severe effects of Agent Orange. The movement "Action for Vietnamese Agent Orange victims" launched by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front has been responded to by all walks of life, attracting the attention of compatriots at home and abroad, as well as international friends, contributing to helping victims reduce difficulties, ease their pain, gradually stabilize their lives, and integrate into the community.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, Ms. Bui Thi Minh Hoai commended the Party committees, authorities at all levels, agencies, organizations, enterprises, philanthropists, people from all walks of life in the country and overseas Vietnamese for their contributions to caring for, helping and nurturing victims of Agent Orange; acknowledged and highly appreciated the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange-Dioxin for their efforts, solidarity to overcome difficulties, and fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Party and State to care for, help and fight for justice for victims of Agent Orange...

Ms. Bui Thi Minh Hoai also called on compatriots and soldiers nationwide, our compatriots abroad, and international organizations to actively respond with practical actions and deeds so that the Month of Action for Agent Orange victims achieves high results, contributing to helping Agent Orange victims have a better life.

At the program, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Rinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, launched the Month of Action for Victims of Agent Orange (from August 1 to 31, 2023), to call for support and mobilize resources to care for and help victims of Agent Orange.

Also at the program, delegates leading agencies and units pressed the button to launch the Electronic Information Page of the National Action Center for Overcoming the Consequences of Toxic Chemicals and the Environment (naccet.vn), to promptly inform about the efforts of Vietnam and peace-loving friends around the world in overcoming the consequences of toxic chemicals after the war on the environment and people.

On this occasion, the Organizing Committee awarded the Certificate of Gratitude "Golden Heart" to outstanding groups and individuals who actively responded to the Month of Action for Agent Orange Victims; and at the same time received nearly 100 billion VND in support from organizations and individuals for the victims in the Month of Action for Agent Orange Victims.

According to VNA

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