VIETNAMESE AMERICANS ENDORSE JOHN McCAIN FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

In a time of crisis, our country needs a strong, wise and compassionate leader who is ready to lead on Day One. We strongly believe that McCain is that person.

As former South Vietnam leaders and Vietnamese veterans of the Vietnam War, we have had the honor and privilege of having Lieutenant Commander John S. McCain fighting on our side - for the cause of freedom and democracy in our homeland. We were deeply touched when years later he forgave those who tortured him, worked to move America forward from old wounds of the past, and yet, made clear to his friends and allies where he stands, with his famous quote: the wrong guys won the war.

Today, as Vietnamese Americans, we unite in our common belief that John McCain is the most qualified leader who is ready to lead our country forward. We stand with him again as comrades-in-arms fighting for our common ideals in freedom, democracy, peace, and honor.

The friendship between John McCain and the Vietnamese American community has been a long-lasting one, dating back to his years of service as a young naval aviator fighting for freedom and democracy in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese Americans today owe thanks to McCain for his compassionate support in bringing tens of thousands of South Vietnamese political prisoners who were American allies during the war and their families to resettle in America.

On the most important issues, from immigration reform to Iraq war to torture policy, John McCain has shown the tenacity, courage, temperament, and judgment of a great leader who always puts his country first. With substantial experience in military affairs and foreign policy, McCain is best equipped to confront the threat of radical Islam and secure victory in Iraq. From our own hard-earned experiences, we admire his courage in refusing to play politics with the Iraq war. His support for the surge strategy at a crucial time when others wanted to withdraw or were at doubt shows a rare combination of vision, judgment, and principled leadership during a time of crisis.

Both in war and in peace, we have seen his character, his leadership, his unwavering faith in our shared ideals, and his love for our country.

We unequivocally endorse John McCain to be our next President and Commander-in-Chief.