The National Conference of Viet Nam Veteran Ministers, meeting in Racine, WI, October 8 to
October 12, 2001, and after prayerful reflection, issued the following statement
As a group with diverse experiences of the horror of war and terrorism, we are not blind to or
innocent about the harsh methods that must be used to counter immediate threats from terrorists
and the organizations and nations, which support terrorism.
With profound sadness, we acknowledge the grim reality of overt and covert operations as well as
economic and diplomatic activities that will result in new generations of refugees, orphans and veterans.
We note, with approval, that the response by the United States of America and its coalition
partners to the events of September 11th includes intentional humanitarian aid. From our own
experiences of witnessing the hope such aid can bring, we encourage the careful and deliberate expansion
of such programs. In the long-term effort to address the roots of terrorism, this intentional
program of alleviating the suffering of the internally displaced persons and the refugees may prove
to be the most promising path.
We still dream of a world of tolerance and freedom, of safety and plenty, where each child and
adult can claim the fullness of life. To that end, we remind the leaders of the nations of the world
of their responsibilities to the peoples of the world. The hope for our grandchildren lies not in
building more weapon systems, bigger armies, and larger bureaucracies, but in building schools,
hospitals, and places of worship, in building communities of mutual respect. understanding, and trust.
We expect leaders to look beyond the preservation of the temporary power that they hold to the
challenging task of creating the conditions where our dreams for our grandchildren may come true.