Quy Nhon, June 6, 2011

The war was over 36 years ago but left severe consequences and after effects due to chemical weapons which US army used in Vietnam. During 10 years (1961-1971), the US army had been spraying over 80 litres of toxic chemicals, in which Agent Orange/Dioxin made up 61 percent.

About 4.8 million people across the country were exposed to the Agent Orange/Dioxin, including more than 3 million people were victims. Hundreds of thousands of them died, million of them and their descendents have been suffering fatal diseases and have been leading miserable lives.

The US army decided to use Phu Cat airport at Binh Dinh as storehouse of the toxic chemical and then spread it all over the province’s forests and other areas in neighbouring provinces.

Primary statistics shows that more than 14,000 people in the province were exposed to the toxic chemical, more than 1,500 children were born dead, thousands of children have been suffering innate deformities; second and third generations in many families have been enduring the toxic chemical’s bad effects.

Binh Dinh Association for Agent Orange Victims, Binh Dinh Fund in Support of Agent Orange Victims have received highly respectable and enthusiastic helps from benefactors through in material and spiritual assistance which partly alleviates the agony of the Agent Orange victims and their families, lessens their difficulties in integrating into society. Although the government and society strives to provide the Agent Orange victims with much more help, the assistance can’t make up for their agony.

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Viet Nam's Agent Orange Disaster (August 10), on behalf of Binh Dinh People’s Committee, I eagerly call for continuous helps of organizations, enterprises, charities and benefactors in and outside the province towards the Agent Orange in Binh Dinh.

Yours faithfully,

PP. Binh Dinh People’s Committee

Chairman

LE HUU LOC