Three members of PeaceTrees Vietnam (PTVN), a US non-government organisation, have been presented with a “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” insignia for their contributions in mine clearance activities in Vietnam.

They included PTVN cofounder Rae Cheney, PTVN Executive Director Jerilyn Brusseau and Country Director Le Dinh Quang.

Addressing the ceremony on Sept. 7, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Vu Xuan Hong spoke highly of PTVN’s positive contributions in mine clearance in Dong Ha city of the central province of Quang Tri since 1995.

The insignias are a recognition of the efficient contributions of the three PTVN individuals in helping Vietnam deal with the aftermath of war, and also boost Vietnam-US relations, Hong said.

Speaking at the function, Jerilyn Brusseau expressed her hope for better implementation of PTVN projects in Vietnam in order to bring an improved life to the people in Quang Tri province, who severely suffered during the war.

“To achieve that, we need to continue to build and consolidate friendship and mutual trust,” she said.

According to PTVN Country Director Le Dinh Quang, the organisation will build houses for mine and unexploded ordnance victims, plant green trees in mine cleared areas and provide credit support for disadvantaged families.

PTVN was the first US NGO to be licensed to work in the clearance of mine and unexploded ordnance in Vietnam in 1995./.