As we enter the final months of the Vietnam Babylift 35th anniversary year, I would like to recognize all who were involved in Babylift 35 years ago.

 

The list is too lengthy for me to mention each one individually, so...my tribute will be a general one. Please be assured that I, and my family, thank each of you very much.

 

Thirty years ago, my husband, Byron Michael Noone wrote that when our daughter, Heather Constance Noone, was placed in his arms at the airport, "Heather's and my eyes met. I tried to communicate with words and gestures."

 

Shortly before she died, just weeks later, Byron wrote, "Our eyes no longer met. She had her eyes set toward Jerusalem".

 

Those weeks were the beginning of my family's Babylift story.

 

My daughter, Jennifer Nguyen Noone, a Vietnam Babylift adoptee, wrote that, "the Vietnam Babylift was a moment of great spiritual significance...the beginning of the healing process between the United States and Vietnam".

 

My son, Jason Paik Noone, a Korean adoptee, wrote about Korean adoptions, in words that are appropriate for all international adoptions. He wrote that he "cherishes all those who set aside their own dreams and allowed others to have their dreams come true...eternally grateful to them".

 

I am eternally grateful to all of you.

 

Last April, I assisted with the Babylift 30th Anniversary Program at the New Jersey Vietnam Era Educational Center, in Holmdel, New Jersey. During the program, we recognized the Babylift participants and April 2, 2005 was proclaimed "Vietnam Babylift Day" by the acting Governor of New Jersey.

 

Additional 30th anniversary events took place at the Pearl S. Buck Institute, the VAN Reunion, the Pan Am Reunion and at the National Vietnam Veterans' Art Museum in Chicago, Illinois.

 

In June, Jennie and I participated in the World Airways Babylift trip to Vietnam and we conducted a memorial ceremony for Heather and Byron in Saigon/HCMC. During the ceremony, we remembered all who died during Babylift. We sang:

 

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind, but now I see".

 

I believe that one day all those whose lives were affected by Babylift will see one anather "face to face". I pray that children of future generations will never face separation from their birth families, especially due to war or economic injustice.

 

Thank you to all who sacrificed so much 35 years ago for the Vietnam Babylift children. You have a place in our hearts forever and we will never forget you.

 

Peace and Blessings,

Lana Noone

(From: www.vietnambabylift.org)