No more war. Live with love and peace. That is my message.
I count my blessings and do things to help others.
I have my foundation, I help the children who are victims of war, and I talk about kids and I help people to understand how horrible war is and how beautiful the world can be if we can live with love, hope, and forgiveness.
My own people, the South Vietnamese, had been bombing trade routes used by the Viet Cong rebels. I had not been targeted, of course. I had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
For years, I prayed to the gods of Cao Dai for healing and peace. But as one prayer after another went unanswered, it became clear that either they were nonexistent or they did not care to lend a hand.
I never thought that the child who was a famous symbol of war would one day be invited to become a symbol of peace.
I was really embarrassed. And I asked why they took my picture when I was in such agony, and I'm the girl, in the moment that I was naked, burning, hopeless, crying - so ugly. And I asked why they took my picture at that that moment? I didn't like it at all.
I asked why me? Why did I have to suffer so much pain and scars? I was just a little girl - I didn't do anything wrong.
In the picture, I am crying from pain. Now, I cry for peace. I don't want to see any more children suffer.
If the picture hadn't been taken, people wouldn't know what happened in the war.
My faith in God is healing my heart so I can have peace.
From time to time I look at the picture when I am very sad. I just want to remember my past and that scene made a deep impression on me.
I want to be a doctor, to give treatment to other people.
I suffered too much and I want to stop the suffering of other people.
