In the 1960s, when I was in my 20s, I became involved in the anti-war movement in Vietnam. We believed that the war was wrong, that it involved inequality and unfair treatment of people. In that context, it was natural for me to look at the war and join the anti-war movement. Around 1966, I refused to be drafted into the army. I participated in many protests and anti-war activities throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Mr. Frank Howard Joyce - Head of the National Council on Aging Delegation in the US, interviewed by Times Magazine. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In April 1970, I was part of a peace delegation that traveled to Hanoi and its suburbs, meeting many Vietnamese and seeing firsthand the impact that America and the war had had and was having. Part of the purpose of the trip was to return to the United States and tell the real story of the war, which the American media at the time did not accurately reflect.

I still remember those days in April 1975, when we rushed out into the streets to celebrate. We were proud of the Vietnamese people and also proud of what we had done as anti-war and peace activists - a journey that most of us continue to pursue to this day.

Exactly in April 2025, I was able to return to Vietnam. This was my 5th time back and each time I returned, I could not help but be amazed by the strong development, resilience and vitality of Vietnam. Truly impressive!

It means a lot to me to be back here on this important anniversary. I get to witness the Vietnam Reunification Day celebrations, and to be back in Vietnam with my colleagues and friends. More importantly, I get to return to the United States to tell the story of Vietnam’s miraculous recovery and growth since 1975.

From very early on in my career, I always felt welcomed here as an American citizen. That feeling remains the same today. I see more and more American tourists coming to Vietnam, and it is clear that they feel the same warm welcome. Experiencing the spirit of peace in Vietnam is always moving and invigorating.

I want to emphasize that: I am extremely happy and proud to be in Vietnam for the fifth time. How happy I am that I have been able to return to this place five times in my life. Each time I return, I learn from the Vietnamese people many valuable things about peace and how to build peace.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/den-viet-nam-de-hoc-ve-hoa-binh-213095.html