American man shows gratitude to Vietnamese via guestbook at historical site
Thursday, January 11, 2024, 11:04 GMT+7
Jay Gray, a 79-year-old American, left some emotional and grateful comments in a guestbook while he and his friends were visiting the Dong Loc T-junction historical relic site in Ha Tinh Province, north-central Vietnam a few days ago.
He had previously hesitated about touring Vietnam as he thought that Vietnamese hate him and America for a war against Vietnam in the past.
However, his Vietnam trip quickly blew his mind, and he expressed his deep gratitude to the Vietnamese people for their forgiveness for what America had done to Vietnam in wartime.
An official from the management board of the historical relic site said on Wednesday that since the start of 2024, the tourist site has welcomed several groups of tourists, including a special visitor, who is Gray.
Gray has visited Vietnam for the first time.
He thoroughly investigated the historical relic site, delving into numerous exhibits and documents while gaining insight into the rich history of the location.
He came to the realization that the preserved relics and historical structures in Vietnam do not convey any animosity toward any country or individual.
Instead, they serve as poignant reminders of the sorrow, pain, and losses caused by war, emphasizing the importance of cherishing peace and happiness.
“I am a 79-year-old American man. My generation started the war in Vietnam. I was fortunate I did not come to Vietnam during the war. Today is January 7, 2024. This is my first time in Vietnam,” Gray wrote in a guestbook.
He also revealed that most American people at his age are ashamed of America for starting this terrible war against Vietnam.
“I am ashamed of America. I was unsure about visiting Vietnam as I thought the Vietnamese people will hate me and America. But I was wrong," he shared his feelings.
“The Vietnamese people are so kind and friendly to me. I am very happy to see that Vietnam has totally recovered from the tragedy of the war."
He also expressed his pleasure to see Vietnam become a very modern, clean, safe, and advanced country.
“I am deeply grateful to all the Vietnamese people for their kindness and friendship and for their ability to forgive America for its terrible crime,” he showed his gratitude.
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| Jay Gray wrote some sentimental remarks in a guestbook at the Dong Loc T-junction historical relic site in Ha Tinh Province, north-central Vietnam. Photo: H.A. / Tuoi Tre |
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