Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the complete victory of the Vietnamese revolution

In 2004, she joined in establishing and become Co-Coordinator of the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign which fought for normalization of relations between the U.S. and Vietnam and supported Vietnam's right to independence and self determination. She has been active in organizing exchange delegations between the U.S and Vietnam and in supporting the work of the Vietnam Women's Union, including visiting more than 30 provincial/local chapters of the Women's Union. She was awarded the Medal “For Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin” from the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Oragne/Dioxin (VAVA) in 2013 and the Medal “For the Development of Vietnamese Women” in 2010 from the Vietnam Women's Union. On the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the end of the American War in Vietnam, Merle Ratner and her husband sent a congratulation message to the Vietnamese friends including the VWU.

The following is the message content:

Dear Comrades,

Congratulations o­n the 40th anniversary of the complete victory of the Vietnamese revolution!!

You have shown us by your example that the people can win -- a lesson more important than ever today.

We are so moved by your dedication and sacrifices to achieve the liberation of Saigon and the defeat of Đế Quốc Mỹ.

With love and respect,

Merle & Nhan.

On this significant occasion, Merle Ratner had an article published o­n the AlterNet, an o­nline magazine aiming at inspiring action and advocacy o­n the environment, human rights and civil liberties, social justice, media, health care issues, and more. Her full writing is available at the link: http://www.alternet.org/world/40-years-after-end-vietnam-war-lets-not-forget-who-helped-stop-it-and-vietnamese-who-still.