April 28, 200

"There were obviously devastating wounds inflicted upon the men and women of our armed forces from the Vietnam War but there were also terrible emotional scars. The war was a wrenching experience for our nation and it has taken the past 25 years to heal lingering wounds. That's why this anniversary shouldn't be considered an end, but a new beginning.

"Full diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam have existed since 1995, and the two governments are working to fully integrate the Vietnamese economy into the world economic system. That can be beneficial to our state but also beneficial to our nation and Vietnam. Vietnamese authorities have demonstrated sensitivity to U.S. concerns that all existing information concerning the fate of those Americans missing in action as a result of this tragic conflict be made available to concerned families. This has been very important to the healing process that has allowed the United States and Vietnam to begin a new and more productive chapter in relations between our two countries and peoples."