Nicaragua Government Presentation at Veterans for Peace event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Victory in Vietnam

Presentation by Jaime Hermida Castillo, from Permanent Mission of Nicaragua to the United Nations

Nicaragua and Vietnam shared the same history. Nicaragua has been militarily occupied by the US Marines many, many times during our 200 history of independence. About 100 years ago, to be precise, 99 years ago today, Sandino said, “No more.” And then, seven years later, the Marines, for the first time withdrew from Latin America. What Sandino used in defense of Nicaraguan sovereignty was later known as guerilla warfare, which was studied deeply and applied by many countries, and Vietnam.

Listening to [other speakers memories of the anti-Vietnam war movement] brings back memories of the spirit and friendship of the people of the United States, especially in the development of be peace movement and in particular Veterans for Peace.

Yes, it started with Vietnam in a massive way, because before Vietnam there was also veterans for peace in the United States in the last century. But the uniqueness, or better, the legacy of Veterans for Peace was how they remain with us today.

Ram is was talking previously about Casa de las America, that used to be on 14th St. and 6th Ave. for many, many years. And in Casa de las Americas you could find five different political tendencies of each country. But if the meeting was about Vietnam then everybody would agree and we'll be joined together in an activity.

It's important to mention this as I was listening to both of your reflections. The legacy of Veterans for Peace began in Vietnam, but I will say it developed and grew and grew with Vietnam. Because we can see the Veterans for Peace movement in solidarity all through these decades.

Veterans for Peace was essential for Central America. There were many, many veterans, who did everything that they could to stop the war until the war was stopped in Central America. One of them is a Nicaraguan hero and he now lives in Nicaragua, who I think you know pretty well, Brian Willson. He’s a Nicaraguan citizen and is an also a hero. A national hero in Nicaragua, and he lives in Nicaragua. 

We thank you for that peace movement here, that was very, very helpful.

And now allow me to read a brief statement:

Dear sisters and brothers,

Please receive our warmest greetings from our co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. We thank the organizers for this important event, and for this invitation to the celebration of peace in Vietnam 50 years after the end of the war. And remembering the father of the nation, eternal companero Ho Chi Minh, for his leadership, his victories. In his support for peace, unity and development, and for the heroic people of Vietnam. As well as his constant struggle for freedom, self-determination, independence, and sovereignty.

On April 29th and 30th, 2025, a high level delegation of the government of Nicaragua, headed by our Foreign Minister, Companero Valdrack Jaentschke, was in Ho Chi Minh City, Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and the reunification of Vietnam.A historic date that marked a milestone in world history.

Culminating with the victory of the heroic Vietnamese people in the face of foreign aggression. Through this encounter, we have reaffirmed our historical tie of friendship and solidarity between our two countries. And we continue to deepen our bilateral relations on issues of international cooperation, economic development and trade. On this memorable day, we reaffirm our congratulations and solidarity to the heroic people of Vietnam, as we reiterate our unwavering commitment to continue working together.

And tightening our bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, solidarity and respect between our countries. And here together with our friends in the permanent mission of Vietnam and the permanent mission of Cuba, we work together to strengthen our contribution for peace, sustainable development and in the protection and preservation of life in our Modern Earth for the well-being of present and future generations.

Thank you.