An exchange program to heal old war wounds was held in Hanoi yesterday/ on Thursday for Vietnamese and US veterans and writers.  The event is part of activities organized by the Vietnam-US Association and the Soldier’s Heart Initiative (SHI) from last year to January 15, 2013.  Participants discussed bilingual poems and writings composed by US and Vietnamese veterans and spoke of ways to alleviate the pain of war promote mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral ties.  SHI Chairman Edward Tick said that members of the US organization have visited Vietnam many times. They have helped build houses and nursery schools in Mekong Delta provinces, and offered assistance to Agent Orange victims and poor people. Tick hopes to establish a, SHI branch office in Vietnam so that more such activities can be organized.