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My Lai Massacre, 40 Years On

Survivors, vets among 1,000 who gather in Vietnam to remember

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 16, 2008 1:40 PM CDT
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(Newser) – More than 1,000 people gathered in My Lai today to mark the 40th anniversary of one of the most brutal chapters in the Vietnam War, the AP reports. Forty years ago, American troops entered the small village in search of Vietcong guerrillas and, unprovoked, slaughtered more than 500 people—mostly women, children, and the elderly.

When news of the massacre reached the American public, it greatly undermined support for the war. Today’s memorial drew a mix of war veterans, families of the victims, peace activists, and atomic bomb survivors from Japan. “If hope can rise from the ashes of My Lai, it can rise from anywhere,” says one vet who helped organize the ceremony.

Some parts of the village have been rebuilt as a museum, while activists have added a peace park and new schools.
Some parts of the village have been rebuilt as a museum, while activists have added a peace park and new schools.   (Getty Images)
A mix of families of the victims, war veterans, and peace activists gathered in My Lai for today's memorial.
A mix of families of the victims, war veterans, and peace activists gathered in My Lai for today's memorial.   (Getty Images)
The children of some of the survivors in 1980 standing on the path where many of their relatives were murdered.
The children of some of the survivors in 1980 standing on the path where many of their relatives were murdered.   (Magnum Photos)
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An American vet remembers My Lai
International Herald Tribune

 
Vietnam • war • massacre • Vietnam veteran • Vietnam War • anniversary • My Lai Massacre • Charlie Company

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