May 30, 2005

Dear President and People of Vietnam,

In January, 1975, I was an infant found in the Cho Lon market and taken to the Hoi Duc Anh Orphanage. At this orphanage, dozens of caretakers dedicated their time and risked their lives to save mine.

On April 26, 1975...I was evacuated from Vietnam on an Operation Babylift plane and brought to the United States.

On June 5, 1975, I was adopted and placed into the arms of my new parents at the JFK Airport, New York City. I grew up in New York and was raised by a wonderful, loving family.

Since infancy, my parents have always taught me about the Vietnamese culture and have taught me to be proud of its beauty and its people...

In April, 2001, I had the opportunity to travel back to Vietnam with other adoptees. The experience was invaluable as I was finally able to live the stories my parents shared with me since infancy. I was able to visit the site of my orphanage where I was placed 30 years ago with the hopes that a family would find me.

In June 2005, I will return to Vietnam, but this time prouldly representing the Vietnamese community as an ambassador to help facilitate closing the divide between Vietnam and the United States...

Your country provided me love and a chance at life.
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jen Noone

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