The stakeholders at the meeting discussing openly the issues of interest
The meeting is part of the global 1985-born organization’s annual trip to Thua Thien Hue apart from Hanoi, Quang Tri, Danang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Ho Chi Minh city.
“Incomprehensive reports give us a number of about 13,000 victims, while I believe the real number must be much higher than that,” shared Mr. Nguyen Cuong, chairman of PAVA. “And sadly, the impact of the deadly agent has reached down to the 3rd or 4th generations of the victims’ family.” He also thanked the U.S. veteran organizations for their help in progressing the lawsuit of compensation for Vietnamese agent orange victims.
VFP members visiting victims of agent orange in A Luoi district. Photo: Heart for Hue
“Thanks to continuous and effective efforts of the two sides, in which U.S. veteran organizations like VFP play an important part, the conciliation, friendship and cooperation between the two countries have thrived,” stated Mr. Le Van Anh, Member of the Presidium Board of HueFO.
During the past years, via HueFO and local foundations, many U.S. organizations have lent hands to the provincial people in various dimensions, especially landmine clearance and victim assistance, healthcare, livelihood improvement, climate change resilience and business support, etc., shared Mr. Nguyen Quy Hanh, Vice President cum Secretary General of HueFO.
Prior to the meeting, VFP paid a visit to the agent orange and landmine victims in the mountainous district of A Luoi, one of the poorest war-torn localities of the province; and to the orphanage center of Duc Son Pagoda.
Mr. Chuck Searcy, VFP’s Vice President said in the meeting that the organization would continue its missions and do further to accompany the Vietnamese friends to surmount the legacy of war.
Story and photos: The Vinh