On April 27, in Berkeley, California (USA), a delegation from the Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco led by Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan attended an intimate meeting with former Berkeley University students - those who played a pioneering role in the movement against the Vietnam War more than half a century ago.

The meeting took place in a warm, simple but emotional atmosphere, at the house of Mr. Pham Van Tich - a living witness of the anti-war movement and also the person who connects peace-loving souls from both the Vietnamese and American peoples. The anti-war movement, originating from the boiling days at Berkeley University from 1968 to 1973, has become an indispensable part of the Vietnamese people's struggle for independence and peace.

From the initial efforts of students at Berkeley, the fire of struggle quickly spread to San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, New York, Washington DC and other large and small cities across the United States, creating an unprecedented wave of anti-war protests in American history.

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan spoke at the meeting, expressing his sincere emotion and deep gratitude to the friends who stood side by side with Vietnam during the most difficult days. He emphasized the great significance of the anti-war movement not only for Vietnam but also for the historical progress of humanity towards peace and justice.

The Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco shared: "More than half a century ago, at Berkeley, you - the pioneering students - lit the fire of protest against the Vietnam War, starting an anti-war movement that spread strongly throughout the United States. It was a movement of American students who loved peace, with the enthusiastic support of Vietnamese students. With your indomitable spirit, humanistic ideals and courage, you created the voice of conscience, touched millions of hearts, contributed to changing the course of history, and opened up important changes for peace in Vietnam and the world."

Today, looking back on the past, we appreciate even more the silent but great contributions of Vietnamese and American students who courageously stood up for peace, for justice, for a better world.

Recalling those spirited days, Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized that the anti-war movement was not simply a series of street protests, but also a symbol of global civic responsibility, profound humanity, and strong belief in the right to live in peace of all peoples.

Prolonged marches on the boulevards, persistent sit-ins in front of government offices, tireless speeches and debates at universities and in the media - all created enormous social pressure, shaking the US government's will to continue the war.

Thanks to that strong wave of protests, the US government was forced to sit at the negotiating table, leading to the signing of the Paris Agreement in 1973, officially ending military intervention and withdrawing troops from South Vietnam. This was a historic turning point, the premise for the complete victory of the Vietnamese people in the spring of 1975, the day the country was completely reunified.

Today, looking back on the past, we appreciate even more the silent but great contributions of Vietnamese and American students who courageously stood up for peace, for justice, for a better world.

Expressing gratitude to the former students who were at the forefront of the protest movement more than 50 years ago, Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan said: "On behalf of the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco, I would like to express my gratitude to all Vietnamese and American friends who have accompanied Vietnam during difficult times. This April, when Vietnam celebrates the 50th anniversary of peace and national reunification, we will never forget the steadfast hearts that have accompanied us through the darkest moments."

Not only reviewing the glorious history, the meeting is also an opportunity to look to the future. Affirming his strong belief in the Vietnam-US relationship today, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan affirmed: "Today, Vietnam is a dynamic country, actively contributing to regional and global peace and security. Vietnam and the United States have become Comprehensive Strategic Partners, cooperating together in many fields from economics, education, science and technology to defense and security".