President Obama brings a “spirit of reconciliation” with him on his historic trip to Laos to help heal the “painful legacy of war,” he told an audience of Laotians during a Tuesday morning speech.
Obama said the U.S. military dropped more bombs over Laos during the Vietnam War than it did collectively on Germany and Japan during World War II.
“I realize that having a U.S. president in Laos would have once been unimaginable,” he said during the speech in Vientiane, Laos’ capital. The U.S. dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs over Laos from 1964-1973 but “at the time, the U.S. government did not acknowledge America’s role. It was a secret war. And for years, the American people did not know. Even now, many Americans are not fully aware of this chapter in our history.”
“Today, I stand with you in acknowledging the suffering and sacrifices on all sides of that conflict,” Obama said.
Obama committed another $90 million to help Laos clear unexploded bombs from the Vietnam era. “Given our history here, I believe that the United States has a moral obligation to help Laos heal,” he said.
“We want to be your partner with the young people of Laos as you strengthen your communities and start businesses, and use Facebook to raise awareness for the rights and dignity of all people,” Obama told the crowd. “And we want to be your partners as Laos forges greater trade and commerce with the world.
Obama said he hopes his visit inspires other Americans to travel to Laos.
“And as Laos grows, we want to be your partner in protecting the natural beauty of your country,” Obama said, pledging to help Laotians harness renewable energies and protect themselves from the effects of climate change.
“So this is the future our two countries can build together, and I’m optimistic that we can do it,” Obama said.
