Late last month, a group of members from the US Veterans For Peace (VFP) visited Da Nang, formerly one of the largest US military bases in the American War between 1965 and 1975.

Amongst them was 64-year-old veteran John Koehler who was in Viet Nam from 1969 to 1972.  In summer 1972, the US marine, then 20 years old, was based in Da Nang. 

During the war, US troops created lots of unimaginable grief and losses to Vietnamese residents.  Mr John used to think that the Vietnamese people would never forgive the war actions of the US soldiers. 

However, during his recent visit to the city, he was very surprised at the generosity of Da Nang’s residents, and that of Vietnamese people as a whole, because he was warmly welcomed everywhere.  He was also very impressed by the rapid growth of Da Nang in particular, and by Viet Nam in general.

During their stay in the city, the US veterans attended a seminar held on 24 March entitled ‘The Viet Nam-USA Relationship: Lessons from the Past and a Vision for the Future’. 

The Vice President of the Viet Nam-based VFP Chapter 160, Mr Chuck Searcy, said, “The American War killed more than 3 million Vietnamese people and put many citizens into difficult living circumstances.  However, I wonder why the Vietnamese people do not still hate the Americans - you are always very friendly towards us”.

Mrs Painter Marla (in black T-shirt) at the Shelter No 3

Mrs Painter Marla said, “We understand how difficult it has been for the Vietnamese people in the aftermath of the war.  We have great respect for your efforts in overcoming the consequences of the war and gaining remarkable achievements in your country’s socio-economic development.  We highly appreciate the warm welcome given to us by the residents of Da Nang, and we would like the Vietnamese people to forgive our aggressive behaviour in the past”.

The US guests later visited children living at Shelter No 3 of the Da Nang Support Centre for Agent Orange (AO) Victims and Disadvantaged Children in Hoa Vang District’s Hoa Nhon Commune, and some families with AO-affected children.

At the centre, the US veterans were deeply touched by the pain of local AO-affected victims.

Ms Jackie Hider remarked “Top priority will be given to supporting effective programmes and projects to help relieve the pain and stress of the victims”.