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18 SEPTEMBER, 2001
Secretary of State
The Honorable Colin Powell
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
FAX 202-261-8577
Dear Mr. Powell:
President Bush's administration is less than a year old and has been dealt the worst tragedy in American history. This event overshadows the attack on Pearl Harbor. Then our loss of life was significant but we had an enemy we could identify. The terrorists that struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were killed in the attack but the organizations that sponsored them are difficult to identify and there is no identifiable country to retaliate against.
During the Vietnam War we were allies fighting a common enemy. The Vietnamese people, who left the shores of our homeland, have found peace and freedom in America. Today the Vietnamese community and the American people remain unshaken in our common belief in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In our common bond of friendship and allegiance we mourn the loss of life in the senseless acts against our adopted country and its people. In particular we wish to express our highest respect for the firefighters and police officers who died or are missing in New York. These men, without hesitation, entered a dangerous building and led many of the victims to safety. They sacrificed their own lives so that others may live.
These selfless acts are in the highest traditions of our nations commitment to protecting its citizens against acts of terrorism.
Please accept our sincere sympathy concerning the loss of life among our citizens, firefighters, police officers and military as our great nation struggles to recover from this day of terror.
Sincerely
Kiet Van Nguyen
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