Sorry I've been away so long, again. Things move quickly here, so let me fill you in on the past few weeks. My first blog will be about my visit to the War Remnants Museum, this will be brief because no words can accurately describe what I saw or how I felt when I was there.
The war I saw as I entered the museum that day was not the war I was accustomed to hearing about, it is not the war I had seen portrayed in so many movies back home. I am aware that it is quite possibly one-sided and that some details and events may not be depicted accurately but the fact remains that war is never the answer. I was stunned and saddened to see and to read about Agent Orange and the devastating effects it had and consequently still has on the people of Vietnam. For those of you who are not familiar with Agent Orange, it is the code name for one of the chemical herbicides and defoliants used by the U.S. military from 1962 to 1971. It is estimated that of 75 million litres were sprayed over parts of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. According to Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in 400,000 people being killed or maimed, and 500,000 children born with birth defects.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_Orange) Needless to say it was shocking and upsetting to me to be faced with the reality that chemical warfare took place in the place I now call home and this fact cannot be denied. The horrors people can inflict on one another is really mind-boggling sometimes. But as I left the museum, I made a conscious effort to leave with a positive outlook... this museum is not about living in the past, it is (as it says in its brochure) "a call to the public to say no to war - yes to peace..." to learn from our mistakes. And what really astounds me about the Vietnamese people is their ability to forgive and to move forward, to re-build and to love. They could very easily be resentful (and with reason) towards foreigners but instead they are kind, helpful and caring. Everyday I am greeted by their smiles and their warmth even if I do not speak their language or look like they do. They are survivors and an inspiration in the truest sense of the word.
5 comments:
I guess it's pretty ironic that I blogged this on the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks.
it really was an eye opener for you, just like the concentration camps in Europe were for us. I lost a few high school friends to this war and my US cousin Kenny was crippled in the 60's. It was a very sorry time. The Gi's had to smoke POT on a regular basis to deal with it all, and no one said a darn word about it either. Lots of people were against this was but the US wnt ahead with their politics.
Loved your comments on your blog about how the people from Vietnam have not become bitter and welcome foreigners to their country. Many USA Military came back here with health problems related to Agent Orange so you know it is true that chemical warfare was used. Like all wars it was ugly and did not solve any issues. It is good that you are seeing the other side of things. And appreciate the kindness and gentleness of these people. Yes today is the 10th Annivesary of the World Trade Center it is all over the TV and radio how the Americans suffered not so nice when it is on the other foot. Enjoy every moment in your new home and keep up your blogs I really enjoy them. Susie
Hey Tan!
Wow, that must have been some visit, one that I know I would have a hard time with but yes, you can't deny that it happened.
How are things at school?
Did you get Martine's video? Hahahaha she had a sprained ankle.
All I have to say is peace is something that we Canadians can take for granted but are striving for from ocean to ocean. Thank you for making me more aware on a day when hearts are already big.
Joe
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