Inauguration of a Memorial Stele for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Paris

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This marks the first time in the world that an official memorial has been established to honor the victims of this chemical toxin, which has caused severe consequences for decades.

Alexandre Florentin, former member of the Paris Council and initiator of the project since 2023, emotionally shared his experience of traveling to Vietnam at the age of 14. There, he witnessed firsthand children affected by Agent Orange. Those haunting images stayed with him for many years and became the driving force behind his persistent efforts to establish the memorial.

Audrey Pulvar, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of international relations, European affairs, and the Francophonie, emphasized that the memorial stands as a symbol of Paris’s support for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange, while also reflecting a commitment to the pursuit of justice, human rights, and environmental protection.

Overview of the ceremony. (Photo: Gerard Memmi)

Michel Criaud, President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group at the French National Assembly, highlighted the significance of the memorial in passing on historical lessons to future generations and reminding them of the grave consequences of Agent Orange on both people and the environment.

Speakers at the event underscored the severe impact of Agent Orange on millions of people in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia since the 1960s, with lasting effects spanning generations.

Despite the passage of many decades, the consequences of this disaster remain evident. Comprehensive international recognition is still limited; therefore, the establishment of the memorial in Paris carries important significance in raising awareness and fostering greater attention to the victims.

The memorial stele dedicated to victims of Agent Orange/dioxin at Choisy Park. (Photo: Gerard Memmi)

Among the Vietnamese delegates in attendance, the presence of Nay Djrueng, an Agent Orange victim from Gia Lai, left a deep impression. His life story and resilience have become a symbol of the will to overcome adversity, as well as a voice representing millions of other victims. His presence served as a vivid testament to the devastating consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin during the war in Vietnam.

Tran To Nga expressed her deep emotion, stating that the inauguration of the memorial marks a significant milestone in the persistent struggle of Agent Orange victims and their supporters worldwide. She emphasized that this is not only an achievement of the past but also a source of motivation for the present and the future, while conveying her profound gratitude for the support of international friends.

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