Trade Union Friends of Vietnam's recent launch meeting celebrated in style 35 years since the liberation of the country. An evening of celebrations was held to remember the sacrifice of the Vietnamese people, the solidarity of thousands of British trade unionists with their struggle and the confidence with which Vietnam looks forward.
Over the last thirty five years Vietnam has significantly built up its economy and the Vietnamese ambassador to Britain Tran Quang Hoan demonstrated the unbelievable progress and the next plan to industrialise the country more fully.
Chau Nhat Binh from the Vietnamese General Confederation of Labour spoke of the struggles past and present of the Vietnamese trade unions and their plan to recruit 1.5 million new members over the next two years. He remembered the inspiriong leadership of Ho Chi Minh who was born 120 years ago, and declared that thre is nothing more precious than independence and freedom.
Chau Nhat Binh from the Vietnamese General Confederation of Labour spoke of the struggles past and present of the Vietnamese trade unions and their plan to recruit 1.5 million new members over the next two years. He remembered the inspiriong leadership of Ho Chi Minh who was born 120 years ago, and declared that thre is nothing more precious than independence and freedom.
Former YCL General Secretary Barney Davis reminded the audience of the donations of blood, ambulances, and bicycles made at the request of the Vietnamese by thousands of British workers. His brother, also at the time an electrician, recalled the imprisonment of many activists for their solidarity.
Len Aldis of the Britain Vietnam Friendship Society spoke movingly of the thousands still born deformed as a result of the continued pollution caused by the pouring of 80 million litres of toxic chemicals on Vietnam. He spoke too of the sanctions on the country by the US from 1973-1994 and their failure still to pay any reparations.
The audience was delighted by a range of Vietnamese foods, a DVD showing how strong the country now is and finally by the spectacular music, singing and dancing of young people from Vietnam.
