An exchange programme was held in Hanoi on January 10 for Vietnamese and US veterans and writers, aimed at healing wounds from the past war.

The event is part of activities during a Vietnam visit by US veterans group, the Soldier’s Heart Initiative (SHI), running from December 28, 2012 to January 15, 2013.

Participants shared views on bilingual poems and writings composed by US and Vietnamese veterans and discussed ways to ease the pain caused by war so as to boost mutual understanding and make practical contributions to the strengthening of bilateral ties.

SHI Chairman Edward Bryan Tick said that many US veterans visited Vietnam after the war ended nearly four decades ago to get involved in projects dealing with post-war issues, such as Agent Orange/Dioxin remediation and landmine clearance. They also built houses for poor people and provided financial assistance for children with disabilities, he said.

Edward Tick expressed his hope to establish an SHI branch office in Vietnam as soon as possible.

Source: vov.vn