US Friendship Force delegation visits AO children

(VNF) - The delegation from the Club of Friendship Force of San Diego County led by Ms. Brenda Pearson, Director of the club’s Exchange Programme, had a visit to the Vietnam Friendship Village in Van Canh commune, Hoai Duc district, Hanoi on March 19^th.

Having presented the gift to AO children, the delegates have viewed the accommodation and talked with those under treatment in the Village. (Photo: VNF/Thuy Linh)

The delegation presented gifts to the children and inquired after the veterans there. Additionally, the members also joined students with disabilities at the village in their art performance and painting activities, which moved the delegates greatly.

Nguyen Thang Long, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Friendship Village, welcomed the delegation to visit Vietnam and thanked their attention, care and support of the Friendship Force delegation towards the victims of Agent Orange (AO) /dioxin in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thang Long, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Friendship Village received the 16-member Friendship Force delegation under the Friendship Force International. (Photo: VNF/Thuy Linh)

Briefing the guests on the Village’s history and development, he noted the village has fulfilled its task of taking care of war veterans and AO victims over the years. Besides material things, the Village paid special attention to the victims’ spiritual lives through art exchanges, sports and by visiting historic monuments and museums.

The Village also focused on giving healthcare to the victims. Apart from rehabilitation, the Village often worked with large hospitals to treat seriously ill victims while keeping up with research and using existing medical devices to increase the quality of medical check-ups and treatment.

Cathryn Rathsam, a member of the delegation, also shared that she was deeply moved when visiting classes at the Vietnam Friendship Village and witnessing the difficulties of the children.

“Before, I had no idea about the harmful effects of dioxin. But when I came here and witnessed the children at the Vietnam Friendship Village, It really broke my heart. I think we need to spread these stories so that more people will know and join hands to support Agent Orange victims here.”

The members joined students with disabilities at the village in their art performance and painting activities. (Photo: VNF/Thuy Linh)

On this occasion, the delegation also met and talked with war veterans under treatment in the village.

Among the delegates, David McClain was served in U.S. army in Vietnam in 1969-1970 in Quang Tri, Da Nang. He shared that he was also affected by AO, his left leg now lost all feelings. So he has a great empathy with veterans here.

David McClain, a U.S. veteran was very touched before the warm welcome of Vietnamese. (Photo: VNF/Thuy Linh)

“This trip indeed is a great thing when they give hugs, warm welcome to me even though in the past we fought against each other. Vietnam and the U.S. will close the grieving past and look forward to a beautiful future," said Mr. David.

The Vietnam Friendship Village, about 11 kilometres west of central Hanoi, provides medical care, physical therapy, education and vocational training to Vietnamese children, young adults and veterans with a range of maladies presumed to be caused by AO.

The Friendship Force delegation also will visit Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa as well as Hue, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

As one of the annual activities of the Friendship Force of San Diego County visiting Vietnam, their programme includes homestay to explore daily life activities of local residents.

Formed in 1984, the Club has 95 members who share a commitment to world peace through the understanding of people and cultures throughout the world/.

The kids welcomed delegation with smiles, hugs, and hi-fives. (Photo: VNF/Thuy Linh)

The trip to the Vietnam Friendship Village left an unforgotten memories to the Friendship Force delegation. (Photo: VNF/Thuy Linh)

Translated by Minh Phuong