Vietnam Revisted, 1975-2000: Senator McCain Commorates End of War 33 Years After His Capture
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: For the first time, John McCain arrived in Hanoi. He had just parachuted from his crippled Navy bomber. This morning, nearly 33 years after his capture, McCain has returned to the former North Vietnamese capital commemorating the end of the Vietnam War a quarter century ago this month. CNN's Tom Mintier explains.</s>TOM MINTIER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For at least six American families, the Vietnam War may finally be over. At Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport, the Vietnamese government formally handed over six small green boxes that contain the remains of possibly as many as six Americans. This solemn ceremony has been carried out nearly 80 times since the end of the Vietnam War 25 years ago. On hand to mark the occasion was the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam and U.S. Senator John McCain. Both men were prisoners of war here in Vietnam.</s>SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: Thankfully, it brings closure to the agony and uncertainty that many families have undergone now for more than 25 years, as much as 30 years.</s>PETE PETERSON, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO VIETNAM: Just to have these individuals returned to their loved ones is something that gives a chill up my spine and an extra thump in my heart because it's real. It's a real feeling. And these are the ones we left behind. These are the ones now that we have been committed to.</s>MINTIER: There are still more than 1,500 Americans unaccounted for or missing in action in Vietnam. Cooperation between the Vietnamese and the United States is currently described as a partnership by U.S. officials. (on camera): While part of Senator McCain's trip to Vietnam was to participate in the repatriation of U.S. remains, it also offered him a chance to take a stroll down memory lane. (voice-over): Possibly the highlight of his trip back to Vietnam will be the return to Hualop Prison (ph) where he was held after being shot down over Hanoi. It no longer fills an entire city block, but does remain full of memories for John McCain.</s>MCCAIN: A flood of memories comes back to me, but the most important memory that I have is the love and affection that I have for those who I had the privilege of serving with. I had the privilege of serving in the company of heroes. I observed a thousand acts of courage and compassion and love and I will always treasure that memory utmost over any other.</s>MINTIER: For many Americans, Senator McCain has become a symbol of the ability to put the past behind you. He was at the forefront of renewing relations with Vietnam despite the harsh treatment as a prisoner of war. This was Senator McCain's eighth trip back to Vietnam, a place he first came to as a warrior and now as a peacemaker. Tom Mintier, CNN, Hanoi.