Since 1989, the United States and Vietnamese Governments have worked together to overcome the effects of the war with programs that remediate dioxin contamination, support persons with disabilities, and remove unexploded ordnance. In addition to these activities, the search, recovery, and identification of human remains from the war is vitally important both spiritually and culturally for both countries. On July 8, USAID and the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) to support DNA analysis of unidentified human remains recovered from the war. Under this agreement, USAID will provide Vietnam with the best, cutting edge technology for DNA extraction and analysis, work with Vietnam to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of their laboratories, and ultimately increase the number of remains that can be accurately reunited with their families.
Speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink said: “The United States appreciates all the support that Vietnam has provided over the last 35 years in accounting for missing U.S. service members, and is committed to supporting the people of Vietnam as they seek to identify and ultimately reunite remains of combatants with their loving families.”
So what? Under this MOI, USAID will partner with VNOSMP to fund a new three to five year, $2.4 million project, which will complement a broader U.S. Department of Defense effort to support Vietnam's efforts to find and identify Vietnamese combatants missing in action.
For photos of the event, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmPhhbtx