Last Saturday, August 15th 2015 The Washington Post posted an article on the re-opening of the United States Embassy in Havana, Cuba, which took place the day before. Secretary of State, John Kerry, was present to address the crowd and help celebrate the momentous occasion. This is a huge step for the two nations, which have experienced a state of alienation from one another for more than 50 years. Kerry called the choice to re-open the Embassy

Not everyone is thrilled with the decision, however. There are many who oppose the negotiations being set forth by the U.S. and Cuba. Kerry, however, held his ground. While he addressed the positives of the new relationship with Cuba, he was careful not to gloss over the obstacles that must still be overcome. 

This is not the first time John Kerry has spoken out on a divided issue. He has also talked in the past about the controversial Vietnam War. Just like Last Plane Out of Saigon author, Richard Pena, Kerry is a Vietnam Veteran. Following his return from service, he too, sought to share his views on the war. Last Plane Out of Saigon draws attention to Kerry's question which young American would be "the last soldier to die for a mistake." In fact, it is the first line of the first chapter and eloquently captures the message Author, Richard Pena, strives to spread. 

The news of the Embassy being re-opened resonated with Richard Pena. For years, Pena has lead delegations to different countries through his Legal Delegations Abroad program. He has lead five separate delegations to Cuba alone. The focus of the program is to expose delegates to different legal perspectives, while underscoring the importance of peaceful negotiations as a way to solve problems. Pena has commented before on the significance of visiting places that have a level of controversy tied to them. This way delegates can truly experience the power of peace.

Richard Pena served as the Texas Chair of Lawyers for Kerry in 2004 and later the National Co-Chair of Lawyers for Kerry.

For more information on Legal Delegations Abroad click the link below.
Click here to read the full Washington Post article this post was inspired by.

RELATED LINKS:
Washington Post
Legal Delegations Abroad
The Law Offices of Richard Pena

All is well for Last Plane Out of Saigon! Many exciting events are in development for this coming Fall and we are thrilled with the buzz surrounding the book.  In fact, good things are happening all around for the book and its Author Richard Pena. Richard, who is a practicing attorney in Austin, Texas, has been President & CEO of the Law Offices of Richard Pena, P.C. since he founded it in 1976. In keeping with his business's success and unparalleled standards, the firm has been awarded an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau! To learn more about the author, Richard Pena, and his amazing story visit the Last Plane Out of Saigon website or his Amazon Author Page.