An exchange programme to heal old war wounds was held in Hanoi on January 10 for Vietnamese and US veterans and writers.

The event is part of activities organised by the Vietnam-US Association and the Soldier’s Heart Initiative (SHI) from December 28, 2012 to January 15, 2013.

Participants discussed bilingual poems and writings composed by US and Vietnamese veterans and spoke of ways to alleviate the pain of war to boost mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties.

SHI Chairman Edward Tick said that members of the US organisation have visited Vietnam many times. They have helped build houses and nursery schools in Mekong Delta provinces, and offered assistance to Agent Orange victims and poor people.

Tick hopes to establish a SHI branch office in Vietnam so that many similar activities can be organised.-VNA