(26 Apr 2000) Voice and effects
VOICED BY: Philippa Meagher
U-S Senator John McCain has returned to the spot in Vietnam where in 1967 he was dragged ashore and beaten after parachuting from his downed warplane.
McCain's visit to Hanoi comes ahead of celebrations on Sunday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war.
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US Senator John McCain has returned to the infamous prison known as the "Hanoi Hilton."
He spent five years there, three in solitary confinement for what his captors called a "bad attitude."
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Visiting the prison's museum he saw photos of some of the 300 American soldiers imprisoned.
McCain says he tried to hang himself twice, but he was caught and beaten.
The Vietnamese deny allegations of torture - McCain doesn't believe them.
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SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Not really, if you notice that the pilot scratching his chin with his middle finger... I think that describes how he feels about being there at the mass."
SUPER CAPTION: John McCain, US Senator
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McCain was accompanied by his son Jack.
He was diplomatic about what he'd seen.
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SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It hasn't upset me because my Dad has never said anything negative towards this thing. It is just where he was kept."
Question: Do you think you could have stayed there like he did?
"I don't think so. He is a lot stronger person than I am."
SUPER CAPTION: Jack McCain
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Another highlight of McCain's trip was returning to Truc Bach lake where he was dragged ashore after parachuting from his downed warplane.
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SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It is nice to be back. I have been here, again, on many occasions. It is always nice to check on the condition of my statue. It is the only one I have got."
SUPER CAPTION: John McCain, US Senator
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A memorial bearing his name has been erected where he came ashore.
McCain says he's received a warm welcome from the Vietnamese - a sign that memories of the bitter war may be fading.
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