Friday, July 23, 2010

Hillary Clinton: Departure from Hanoi **UPDATED WITH VIDEO**

As our globetrotting Secretary of State wrapped up her Asia tour today, the solemn mood and muted colors on the tarmac in Hanoi contrasted starkly with the explosion of exuberance and color that we saw in Seoul just a few days ago. In what was, I believe, a precedent, the Secretary of State accompanied, on her plane, the repatriated remains of American MIAs from Viet Nam.

These pictures of the repatriation ceremony could be mistaken for black-and-white but for the one splash of color - Old Glory draping the coffin. A few more guys are coming home with her. It is a good time to remind everyone: We were against the illegal war. We were NEVER against our soldiers! Welcome home, men, and thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Thank you, Mme. Secretary for your service as well. This is a fitting ending to your visit to Hanoi.

UPDATE: h/t to Jo Anne Odell at Team Hillary Clinton who found this video. It appears the remains were loaded onto a military transport and not the Secretary's plane. You can see the emotion on her face. Thanks again, Jo Anne!