HDI hosts a Landmine Education Tour to Hacienda Heights, CA

July 16, 2010

 

On Sunday, July 11, 2010, the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) hosted a Landmine Education Presentation in Hacienda Heights, CA at the Buddha's Light International Association World Headquarters (BLIA).  The presentation focused on mine action and UXO removal in Vietnam.  Sunday's program held particular significance as it marked the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam.  The panel of speakers included Ambassador Bui the Giang, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Vietnam Mission to the United Nations, Ms. Jerilyn Brusseau, Co-founder of PeaceTrees Vietnam, and Mr. Ralph Cwerman, President of HDI.  Devotees of the temple and other community members attended to make up an audience of over 150 people.  Special guests included Vietnam War veterans, Venerables Yi Kung and Huai Chi, Trustees of the University of the West,  and students from the University of Southern California (USC) working on school projects.

Mr. Cwerman began the program with an overview of HDI's past and present landmine programs in Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on HDI's holistic approach to landmine clearance. Ms. Brusseau followed with a presentation on the history and work of PeaceTrees Vietnam with a personal touch as the organization was founded shortly after the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam - a goal that was always in the back of Ms. Brusseau's mind after her brother perished in the Vietnam War in 1969.

Ambassador Giang concluded the program and reminded the audience that this year marks both the 15th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations and the 35th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.  The Ambassador described the course his country has taken since the end of the war, painting a picture of development, challenges, and determination.  Ambassador Giang also touched upon HDI’s “Mushrooms with a Mission” project and hailed the program as “the right project at the right time.”

Funding for this program was provided by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement. 

 

For more information, please contact Capera Clement at capera.clement@thehdi.org