VIETNAMESE HEROINE BRING MESSAGE OF HOPE
Vietnamese heroine brings messages of hope
A 36-YEAR-OLD Vietnam woman, whose courage in overcoming adversity received international recognition, has met with a young victim of the Omagh bomb, whose spirit has also been hailed as a symbol of hope for Northern Ireland.
A childhood photograph of Kirn Phuc is credited with turning the tide of American public opinion against the Vietnam War. And at Omagh council offices on Thursday night last, she had an emotional meeting with 16-year-old Claire Gallagher, who lost her eyesight in last August's bomb.
The picture of Kirn in 1972, as a nine-year-old girl running naked and screaming from a napalm bomb that had severely burned her flesh, became one of the photographic icons of the 20th century, and moved millions all over the world to tears.
Last week she visited Omagh and Londonderry, as a guest of Richard Moore, director of Children in Crossfire. As a child, also in 1972, Mr. Moore was blinded when he was hit by a plastic bullet in Londonderry.
Both he and Kim now head up organisations which seek to help children who are the victims of violence.
Claire Gallagher welcomed Kim Phuc to Omagh on behalf of Children in Crossfire, and, speaking afterwards, she said she was greatly impressed by both Kim and Mr. Moore.
"Both of them at a very young age suffered a terrible trauma. But there are still here getting on with their lives. They are a great inspiration not just to me but to everyone," she said.
She explained that Mr. Moore had contacted her shortly after she came out of hospital, and had been in touch again to ask if she would be willing to welcome Kim to Omagh.
"Kim talked about her experience, and said how important it was to look to the future. She said she was thankful that she was still here and had made a life for herself.
"She gave me great hope, and is an example of hope for others. I am very thankful that I am still here, as I know there are those who are a lot worse off," Claire said.
Commenting on Kim Phuc's meeting with Claire, Mr. Moore said it was symbolic for a number of reasons.
"Both have suffered as children from conflict in their respective countries, and both have made enormous strides to overcome their injuries," he said.
"They are amazing ambassadors for peace in the world and for Children in Crossfire. Kim Phuc's visit offers hope to the people of Omagh and Northern Ireland that they can overcome injustice, and that the children can grown up in peace."
Kim said she that even if she could speak face-to-face with the pilot who had dropped the bombs in Vietnam, she would tell him that history could not be changed, but that people should try to do good things for the present and for the future to promote peace.
She said she did not think she could ever marry or have children because of her burns, but she had achieved that and now had a happy family life.
Kirn's visit to Northern Ireland coincides with the war in the Balkans, which many are predicting could escalate into a European Vietnam.
She believes that the way forward to resolving the Kosovan conflict must be through negotiations and the United Nations.
Meanwhile, she also called for peace for the children of Ireland.
She added: "I just dream one day people all over the world can live in real peace no fighting and no hostility. We should work together to build peace and happiness for all people in all nations."
During her visit, Kim met schoolchildren from Londonderry, and the city's Mayor, Alderman Joe Miller.
A 36-YEAR-OLD Vietnam woman, whose courage in overcoming adversity received international recognition, has met with a young victim of the Omagh bomb, whose spirit has also been hailed as a symbol of hope for Northern Ireland.
A childhood photograph of Kirn Phuc is credited with turning the tide of American public opinion against the Vietnam War. And at Omagh council offices on Thursday night last, she had an emotional meeting with 16-year-old Claire Gallagher, who lost her eyesight in last August's bomb.
The picture of Kirn in 1972, as a nine-year-old girl running naked and screaming from a napalm bomb that had severely burned her flesh, became one of the photographic icons of the 20th century, and moved millions all over the world to tears.
Last week she visited Omagh and Londonderry, as a guest of Richard Moore, director of Children in Crossfire. As a child, also in 1972, Mr. Moore was blinded when he was hit by a plastic bullet in Londonderry.
Both he and Kim now head up organisations which seek to help children who are the victims of violence.
Claire Gallagher welcomed Kim Phuc to Omagh on behalf of Children in Crossfire, and, speaking afterwards, she said she was greatly impressed by both Kim and Mr. Moore.
"Both of them at a very young age suffered a terrible trauma. But there are still here getting on with their lives. They are a great inspiration not just to me but to everyone," she said.
She explained that Mr. Moore had contacted her shortly after she came out of hospital, and had been in touch again to ask if she would be willing to welcome Kim to Omagh.
"Kim talked about her experience, and said how important it was to look to the future. She said she was thankful that she was still here and had made a life for herself.
"She gave me great hope, and is an example of hope for others. I am very thankful that I am still here, as I know there are those who are a lot worse off," Claire said.
Commenting on Kim Phuc's meeting with Claire, Mr. Moore said it was symbolic for a number of reasons.
"Both have suffered as children from conflict in their respective countries, and both have made enormous strides to overcome their injuries," he said.
"They are amazing ambassadors for peace in the world and for Children in Crossfire. Kim Phuc's visit offers hope to the people of Omagh and Northern Ireland that they can overcome injustice, and that the children can grown up in peace."
Kim said she that even if she could speak face-to-face with the pilot who had dropped the bombs in Vietnam, she would tell him that history could not be changed, but that people should try to do good things for the present and for the future to promote peace.
She said she did not think she could ever marry or have children because of her burns, but she had achieved that and now had a happy family life.
Kirn's visit to Northern Ireland coincides with the war in the Balkans, which many are predicting could escalate into a European Vietnam.
She believes that the way forward to resolving the Kosovan conflict must be through negotiations and the United Nations.
Meanwhile, she also called for peace for the children of Ireland.
She added: "I just dream one day people all over the world can live in real peace no fighting and no hostility. We should work together to build peace and happiness for all people in all nations."
During her visit, Kim met schoolchildren from Londonderry, and the city's Mayor, Alderman Joe Miller.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1351
Published Date: 20-May-99
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