Vietnam - America is a living proof of the power of tolerance.

On the afternoon of September 22 local time, President Luong Cuong met with Vietnamese and American veterans.

President Luong Cuong pointed out that the war had taken too much from the Vietnamese and American peoples, leaving behind unfinished dreams and haunting memories. The President said that the Vietnamese people, with compassion and tolerance, chose to put aside the painful past to look to the future; chose to forgive, but not forget; believed that future generations of Vietnam and the US will together build an era of peace , cooperation, development and mutual respect.

President Luong Cuong speaks

PHOTO: VNA

The President assessed that in the US, veterans who emerged from the war chose their conscience and joined hands with Vietnam to build the first bridges for the healing and reconciliation process between the two countries. Over the past half century, hundreds of searches and excavations have been conducted, helping to bring thousands of relics and remains of American soldiers back to their homeland.

The goodwill and results of the 50-year cooperation between Vietnam and MIA have always been highly appreciated by the US government, Congress , veteran organizations and MIA family members, and considered a model in the relationship between the two countries in particular and international relations in general.

The two sides also strengthened cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war, such as cleaning up Agent Orange and dioxin at Da Nang airport and Bien Hoa airport; supporting people with disabilities affected by Agent Orange; clearing bombs and mines; searching for, collecting and identifying the remains of Vietnamese soldiers. With the cooperation of the US and international friends, many lands that were once "dead" because of bombs, mines and toxic chemicals have now revived.

On this occasion, the President welcomed and appreciated the recent administration of President Donald Trump for supporting and continuing to implement projects to overcome the consequences of war in Vietnam.

Recalling the wish of the great President Ho Chi Minh in his letter to President Truman in 1946 for a relationship of "full cooperation" with the US, the President said that 30 years ago, perhaps the most optimistic person could not have imagined how Vietnam and the US could overcome the pain of war, to build and develop a strong and positive relationship like today.

Pointing out that history cannot be rewritten, but with goodwill and effort, Vietnam and the US have been joining hands to build a bright future for the two countries, the President emphasized that the story of healing and reconciliation between Vietnam and the US is living proof of how great the power of tolerance can be, and how it can break through limits.

President Luong Cuong witnessed the ceremony of returning war relics to American veterans and their families.

PHOTO: VNA

Vietnam and the United States both see that no hatred is permanent and no wound is unhealable, if we open our hearts and look to the future.

The President expressed his gratitude to all veterans and American friends who have supported Vietnam over the past decades, while emphasizing the contributions and tireless efforts of historical figures and leaders of the two countries through the ages; and paying tribute to the American people who took to the streets in cities to protest the war in the past, or the veterans who have always sought to heal the wounds of war deeply imprinted in the hearts of both nations and many people.

Also at the meeting, Vietnamese and American veterans shared stories of the past from both sides, the journey to heal the wounds of war, and the desire to put the past behind them, cherish the past, and move toward a better future.

Lieutenant General Phung Khac Dang, former Deputy Director of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army; Lieutenant General, Hero of the People's Armed Forces Nguyen Van Phiet, former Deputy Commander of Politics of the Air Defense - Air Force; Colonel, Hero of the People's Armed Forces Tu De, pilot of the Quyet Thang Squadron, Regiment 923, Division 371... shared their experiences during the war years, stories of those involved, but above all was tolerance; thereby having a correct view of the fierceness and great losses of the war in Vietnam; at the same time clearly seeing the nature of the war and wishing that it would never happen again; seeing the necessity of justice and morality to avoid unfortunate misunderstandings for future generations.

President Luong Cuong and veterans and families of Vietnamese and American veterans review memorabilia and documents.

PHOTO: VNA

The veterans also hope that peace and tolerance will spread strongly among the Governments and people of the two countries, on the basis of respect, equality and understanding to together put the past behind and look towards the future.

At the meeting, delegates, veterans and relatives of veterans shared their journey of searching for, connecting and healing the past; at the same time, enjoyed soulful songs, bringing messages of faith and peace, towards a better future.

On this occasion, President Luong Cuong and delegates witnessed veterans from the two countries returning souvenirs to the families of Vietnamese and American soldiers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/viet-my-la-minh-chung-song-dong-cho-suc-manh-cua-long-bao-dung-185250923084537981.htm