Vietnam Veteran John Kerry Speaks at the Re-Opening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana

Photo Credit: Voice of America. Click photo to follow link.

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

a courageous decision to stop being prisoners of history and to focus on the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”

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