WASHINGTON – In a symbolic act of reconciliation and commitment to the ongoing mission of full wartime accounting, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Tim Peters formally handed over a collection of Vietnam War artifacts to representatives of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in a ceremony hosted at the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C., today.
“Returning artifacts symbolizes a powerful gesture of reconciliation, promoting healing for both American and Vietnamese veterans and families affected by the war,” said Peters. “We thank the Vietnamese Embassy for hosting us here today so that we can continue to build these bonds.”
The ceremony was hosted by His Excellency Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vietnam's Ambassador to the United States. Vietnamese Defense Attaché Senior Colonel Vu Quoc Ang accepted the artifacts on behalf of the Vietnamese government.
The artifacts – donated by U.S. veterans and families – represent a shared history of sacrifice and serve as a gesture of goodwill that supports continued efforts to account for those who remain missing from the Vietnam War era. The presentation included a helmet, canteens, a journal, certificates and identification cards.
“These artifacts may seem small, but they mean a lot to the families who have lost loved ones,” said Nguyen.
“Vietnam veterans, especially those in the VFW, carry a unique credibility and moral authority,” said Peters. “Their participation humanizes the past and fosters understanding between the two nations.”
In addition to the officers from the Vietnamese Defense Attache Office, the event was attended by Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Kelly McKeague and his staff, who were critical in coordinating the day’s presentation.
The VFW remains a steadfast partner in the mission to achieve the fullest possible accounting of missing U.S. personnel. The ceremony marks the latest in a series of VFW efforts to engage with Vietnam on matters of shared historical responsibility and remembrance.
“The VFW will continue to promote this effort among our members – especially those who served in Vietnam, Laos and other areas – to continue to demonstrate our commitment to the fullest possible accounting of those who died in battle,” Peters concluded. View pictures from the visit here.