Celebrating the First 10 Years

Trip Start Mar 03, 2008

Trip End Apr 01, 2008

Loading Map

Map your own trip!

Map Options

Show trip route

Hide lines

Flag of Vietnam Hanoi, Vietnam
Tuesday, March 18, 2008

After the Village planning and budgeting agreements were finalized for 2008 - 2010 we prepared for the celebration of the accomplishments of the first 10 years of operation. The event was preceedeed the previous evening by a event planned and executed by the children, volunteers, Vietnamese "Rock Stars", staff and members of the surrounding community. The kids really are the program with their music, songs, dances and skits supported by local and nationally known musicians. It was impossible to keep our hands from clapping and toes from tapping.

The kids really get it on.

Everyone really got it on.

Everyone has a part

Hot air balloons are released into the night sky. It's as if the spirit of George Mizo is there lighting our way.

Hot air balloons light the sky

The following day the formal ceremony took place. Interwoven with speeches by one of the children and the Vice President of Vietnam

The Vice President of Vietnam Mme. Binh

as well as committee members from all participating countries were meeting of old friends and colleagues.

Mr. Huynh & Me

Old friends - French & Vietnamese Vets

Vietnamese veterans who had been treated at the Village were there too. It was an emotional time for me as a veteran of "The American War" to meet and hug those who I had once considered my enemy.