(VNF) - Since being founded in 2006, War Legacies Project (WLP) has raised fund worth USD 500,000 from US organizations and inpiduals, including many veterans’ family to support Vietnam get rid of the ‘ghost of war’.

Chairwoman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Phuong Nga (right) awarded the Friendship Medal to Susan Hammond under the State President's authorization.

The Friendship Order of the State President is a noble award to honor inpidual and group with significant contribution to the development of Vietnam and other countries’ friendship.

In recognition for WLP’s dedication to helping with postwar relief endeavours, the Order of Friendship was recently awarded to Susan Hammond, founder and executive director of WLP on April 16.

In Vietnam, WLP’s project are implemented in several provinces in three regions, including Ha Nam, Quang Tri, Quang Nam, Hue, focusing on practical aid, such as livelihood support, rehabilitation equipment supply, healthcare, education programme for AO victims.

In the US, WLP is particularly active in awareness-raising and educational activities, to help the people and the government of US understand clearly the deterioting effects of Agent Orange on Vietnamese victims and American veterans. Joining hands with a team of journalists, photographers, documentary makers, she has completed numerous reports on the effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam to broadcast in US.

Hailing Susan Hammond’s contribution to Vietnam, Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Chairwoman Nguyen Phuong Nga said: “Susan has been dedicating extraordinary effort to help Vietnamese AO victims. Her projects not only bring practical assistance to beneficiaries, but also have special meaning of reconciliation, particularly when the assistance is from the American veterans and families, with the desire to join hand for healing the wound and pain caused by war.”

The Friendship Medal is a noble award honoring organizations and inpiduals with outstanding contributions to the friendship between Vietnam and countries worldwide.

Susan, for her part, expressed her heartfelt thank to the government and people of Vietnam for acknowledging her works.

“Words cannot express how humble I am to receive this award. It means so much to be recognized for the work I have been doing for nearly 25 years. I would like to share this award with those who make it possible, who taught me so much and encourage me to continue my work here in Vietnam,” she shared, while mentioned her precious friends and partners who accompany her on the journey.

Recalling the memory of her belated father, Susan said: “He had been always so proud of my work in Vietnam and he would have been pleased if he knew about this great honor.

In 1991, when I first visited Vietnam in 1991, I knew I needed to return but I did not expect that first trip would change my life and lead to this moment. I am so grateful for this honor today. I hope for the next 25 years as I continue my work in Vietnam, we can finally fully address the legacies of the American war so that no one are harmed by AO or UXOs, and the need of those who are impacted by the war are met.”/.

( Translated by Nhat Minh )