55 years later, the pain of Agent Orange still lingers.

(Baonghean.vn) -The American imperialist war in Vietnam ended more than forty years ago, but its consequences remain deeply ingrained and painful. Among them, the "suffering of Agent Orange/dioxin" continues to torment and afflict many Vietnamese families from generation to generation.

On August 10, 1961, the US military sprayed the first liters of toxic chemicals over South Vietnam, beginning a brutal 10-year chemical warfare campaign during the invasion of Vietnam. According to US Department of Defense data, from 1961 to 1971, the US military sprayed 72 million liters of chemical toxins over South Vietnam, parts of Laos, and Cambodia. This included 44 million liters of Agent Orange containing 170 kg of dioxin, an extremely toxic substance that has caused numerous diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, immune system deficiencies, reproductive problems, and birth defects.

The US sprayed a toxic substance whose consequences still affect the Vietnamese people hundreds of years later.

Over 26,000 villages in Southern Vietnam were sprayed, with more than 3,000 directly affected, impacting populations ranging from 2.1 to 4.8 million people. Currently, across Vietnam, approximately 150,000 children suffer from congenital disabilities such as paralysis, intellectual disability, blindness, mutism, deafness, and other deformities. Their families and the children themselves are living in extremely difficult circumstances, filled with suffering and anxiety, both materially and spiritually, physically and mentally, and lacking adequate housing, food, and medicine. Furthermore, it is uncertain when these parents will find peace, constantly burdened by the worry of who will care for them if they pass away.

As many researchers have pointed out, the Vietnam War, waged by the United States, was one of the most devastating wars in human history, and its consequences continue to severely affect generations, most notably the harmful effects of Agent Orange, also known as dioxin. The sounds of war have ceased for over 40 years, yet the immense suffering and tears still flow in the families of those who were victims of this destructive chemical.

Agent Orange has transformed many fertile, rich lands into barren wastelands.

More than half a century has passed since the US imperialists used dioxin on the battlefields of Vietnam to serve their unjust war, yet the pain remains. “I have eyes but cannot see, beautiful lips but cannot smile, hands but cannot caress, legs but cannot walk, a heart but knows neither joy nor sorrow…” – these are the images of Agent Orange victims carrying agonizing physical pain and an emptiness in their souls. Therefore, alleviating the suffering caused by Agent Orange is no longer the responsibility of any single individual or organization, but a shared responsibility of the entire society; so that we may learn to appreciate and live more meaningfully in this life.

Innocent eyes are present on the faces of these children, born to fathers exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin, reflecting the extreme suffering they endure.

Fifty-five years have passed since the war against the US, and the lives of the Vietnamese people are changing day by day, hour by hour. The country is becoming increasingly stable, developing, and asserting its position on the international stage. Many towering skyscrapers have sprung up, many construction projects have been and are being built, young men and women happily go to university, and farmers rejoice in bountiful harvests. But somewhere behind those imposing buildings, the lush green bamboo groves, and the vast fields, countless Vietnamese soldiers and their families are still silently enduring the losses and lasting consequences of the "chemical" warfare waged by the US imperialists.

Agent Orange - dioxin has left immense suffering for many Vietnamese families.

After peace was restored and the country was liberated and unified, the brothers and sisters who had served in the army, guerrillas, youth volunteers, and militia in road construction, supply, and medical services during the resistance war against the American imperialists all wished for a peaceful life with their beloved families, to work, study, and build a family to compensate for the arduous and difficult years of fighting. However, for many, family happiness and the joy of achieving peace and unification were fleeting moments as they struggled with persistent health problems, and even more heartbreakingly, became a source of sorrow and misfortune due to illness and even the death of their children.

There were places where many mothers bid farewell to their sons going to war and were fortunate enough to welcome their beloved children back safe and sound, and many young women with rosy cheeks welcomed their husbands or lovers returning from the battlefield. But that joy was short-lived, as their dearest loved ones were suddenly disfigured in various ways. Even more heartbreaking was when the wives who had carried their children for nine months and ten days, hoping for a child to bring joy to their lives, were born with deformities, died at birth, or suffered from congenital defects, mental illness, or were completely unconscious.

Many infant remains that died as a result of Agent Orange exposure are preserved at the research facility of Tu Du Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

That is also the ultimate pain of millions of victims exposed to Agent Orange in this small country of Vietnam. Over the years, although the Party, the State, and all levels and sectors have always shown thoughtful and practical concern for the victims of this insidious poison, August 10th each year is also an occasion for everyone in society to join hands in action for the victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, to alleviate some of the immense pain in each family. However, the pain caused by Agent Orange/dioxin and its persistent aftereffects has remained a persistent and painful issue for so long. Therefore, we can understand the sacrifices, losses, and the courage and bravery of previous generations in fighting against the invading enemy so that the Vietnamese people could have a peaceful and prosperous life today.

Agent Orange - dioxin has left many devastating consequences for the people of Vietnam.

I believe that every Vietnamese person, and especially the young generation of Vietnamese youth – those born after the country was completely liberated and unified – should join hands to protect and build a more prosperous and developed Vietnam. At the same time, let us all work together to help the families and victims suffering from the effects of this dangerous toxic substance, both materially and spiritually, through actions and words, to help them overcome their difficulties and alleviate the pain and loss they have experienced. This is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen, of the entire community, and of all humanity.

Peace

(Synthetic)