This is a wonderful article about the American War, your family’s emigration and beautiful Vietnam, that I have recently travelled in. Thank you for sharing your precious family memories and the recipes.
There are so many of us, Vietnamese, Americans, Australians among others whose lives were irrevocably changed by the Vietnam War/American War (depending on your side) and for us April will always be a month of remembrance and reflection. Depending on our perspectives, we may remember differently, but we will always, always remember where we were, what we did, what we lost, and what new doors opened as others closed.
Thank you for sharing! In 1975 I had already been living in Japan for quite a while (indeed that is the year my daughter, Rena, was born!) and saw the war as an American living in Asia. lots to remember, and reflect on.
We just returned from a trip to Vietnam in January which led me to your blog. What an articulate and well balanced assessment of perspectives you have shared. My father was actually in the war which is unusual since I am 63 but he was drafted as a surgeon. We loved our trip, the people and the food but hadn't really considered the impact on the people of Vietnam until our visit. This email is so timely and informative so thank you!
Shirley, how timely indeed. Thank you to your father for serving. He saved many lives. I'm so happy you visited Vietnam and enjoyed the country. It has changes a lot and so have we in America. Greatly appreciate your being part of this community.
I remember the fall of Saigon. I was with my family on Guam and it was my senior year of high school. Dad was military, we could look down the hill from our back yard and see the Quonset huts of Camp Asan where refugees families were housed. My mom would have lots to share after spending her days helping the families get settled of stories that make me tear up as I write. The adoption of babies and the gestures on both sides to be kind and understanding. wow Fifty years? I moved back to the states after Guam and worked at a college radio station where I helped produce a radio program hosted by the local librarian and a very well spoken Vietnamese man who interpreted the history lessons and current events and played Vietnamese music for our new Vietnamese community. I remember and am grateful that you reminded me with today’s post.
You were on Guam? My gosh. Your mom may have helped my family while we were there. What a small world we live in that you and I would connect here like this, PJ. Thank you for sharing this personal history and connection to the refugees who passed through your life in so many ways.
I was 5 in 1975. I remember watching it on TV. I have a friend who escaped at the last minute with nothing because her father was North and helpied the South. I welcomed non-english speaking Vietnamese students in my high school when no one else would. My college bf (yeah, much older!) served in-county. I visited in the early 2000's before Americans could be legitimate visitors. The food there inspires me daily. My heart goes out to those who lived it!
RG -- thank you for welcoming newcomers into your community. It's the kindness of Americans that helped Vietnamese refugees feel like they could make it here. Those were bad and good times, the 1970s.
I salute you, your parents and as you wrote, all those who have braved starting anew, Andrea. We watched CBS and Walter Cronkite every night on TV in my family in the 60s and I was in college when the war ended. Thank you for all of the links, this history is so important. xx
Jolene, you witnessed a profound change in history through that era and now this. Being able to connect the dots through time is what keeps us human and connected, friend.
This is a wonderful article about the American War, your family’s emigration and beautiful Vietnam, that I have recently travelled in. Thank you for sharing your precious family memories and the recipes.
Appreciate you being here, Caroline. So happy you visited Vietnam.
There are so many of us, Vietnamese, Americans, Australians among others whose lives were irrevocably changed by the Vietnam War/American War (depending on your side) and for us April will always be a month of remembrance and reflection. Depending on our perspectives, we may remember differently, but we will always, always remember where we were, what we did, what we lost, and what new doors opened as others closed.
Ann, you experienced first hand being in Vietnam. So well said, my friend. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing! In 1975 I had already been living in Japan for quite a while (indeed that is the year my daughter, Rena, was born!) and saw the war as an American living in Asia. lots to remember, and reflect on.
What a time that was, Elizabeth. And now, with what's going on all over the world, seems like so much is changing again. We'll see how this plays out.
We just returned from a trip to Vietnam in January which led me to your blog. What an articulate and well balanced assessment of perspectives you have shared. My father was actually in the war which is unusual since I am 63 but he was drafted as a surgeon. We loved our trip, the people and the food but hadn't really considered the impact on the people of Vietnam until our visit. This email is so timely and informative so thank you!
Shirley, how timely indeed. Thank you to your father for serving. He saved many lives. I'm so happy you visited Vietnam and enjoyed the country. It has changes a lot and so have we in America. Greatly appreciate your being part of this community.
Wonderful article!
I remember the fall of Saigon. I was with my family on Guam and it was my senior year of high school. Dad was military, we could look down the hill from our back yard and see the Quonset huts of Camp Asan where refugees families were housed. My mom would have lots to share after spending her days helping the families get settled of stories that make me tear up as I write. The adoption of babies and the gestures on both sides to be kind and understanding. wow Fifty years? I moved back to the states after Guam and worked at a college radio station where I helped produce a radio program hosted by the local librarian and a very well spoken Vietnamese man who interpreted the history lessons and current events and played Vietnamese music for our new Vietnamese community. I remember and am grateful that you reminded me with today’s post.
You were on Guam? My gosh. Your mom may have helped my family while we were there. What a small world we live in that you and I would connect here like this, PJ. Thank you for sharing this personal history and connection to the refugees who passed through your life in so many ways.
Thank you for sharing and continuing to share with your recipes!
You are so very welcome, Rosemary.
I was 5 in 1975. I remember watching it on TV. I have a friend who escaped at the last minute with nothing because her father was North and helpied the South. I welcomed non-english speaking Vietnamese students in my high school when no one else would. My college bf (yeah, much older!) served in-county. I visited in the early 2000's before Americans could be legitimate visitors. The food there inspires me daily. My heart goes out to those who lived it!
RG -- thank you for welcoming newcomers into your community. It's the kindness of Americans that helped Vietnamese refugees feel like they could make it here. Those were bad and good times, the 1970s.
Thanks for this, Andrea. It's a moment for profound reflection.
You're welcome, Nancy. There's so much to look back upon as we figure out where America and the world go next.
I salute you, your parents and as you wrote, all those who have braved starting anew, Andrea. We watched CBS and Walter Cronkite every night on TV in my family in the 60s and I was in college when the war ended. Thank you for all of the links, this history is so important. xx
Jolene, you witnessed a profound change in history through that era and now this. Being able to connect the dots through time is what keeps us human and connected, friend.
Beautifully said, Andrea.