"1975" is a date often used by the Vietnamese to signify the end of an era and a new beginning. It's the end of foreign governments trying to impose their will on Vietnam and the beginning of full independence, The French began an utterly exploitative colonization in the 1870s until 1954 when the Vietnamese defeated the French at Dien Bien Phu. The Americans thought they could dominate where the French failed, but were brought to reality by 1975 when the Vietnamese were not to be denied in their struggle for reunification and threw the Americans out. "Reunification" is used in many memorials and places, such as the old Presidential Palace in HCMC is now a museum called the "Reunification Palace." The word itself connotes a single, unified, independent, country which the lore and national consciousness of Vietnam has never forgotten since 111 B.C. when China conquered them, temporarily. With several revolutions every few hundred years, Vietnam finally threw off the yoke of Chinese hegemony for good in 987 A.D, although Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan tried unsuccessfully to conquer Vietnam in 1247 A.D. Vietnam was the only country to successfully resist Kublai Khan. So, Vietnam's national spirit of independence runs long and deep.
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The staff deemed it important to meet the Quy Nhon Public Library Director. He apparently lives in an apartment on site, and, seeing as how it was early morning, one of the staff knocked on his door and apprised him of a visitor. The Director emerged and opened up his office to host this writer. He couldn't have been more gracious, serving tea and talking through the interpreter, Thuy. I offered my regrets that the US had visited war on their small country and that we are beginning to form a peaceful alliance with the people of Vietnam. He waved aside any talk of the past conflict saying that we don't talk about the war. It's behind us and we go forward to a brighter future. He and Thuy spoke of their connection with Saigon University, both having graduated from there.
Headline in English language newspaper states: "Lawyers back AO victims." The column reports about a 20th session of the UN Human Rights Council at which an International Association of Lawyers called for the protection of AO victims. It continued that the US has compensated US veterans with agent orange disease but have ignored the plight of Vietnamese victims. The session asked that the US admit its responsibility because many victims are nearing end of life and urged the Human Rights Council to act immediately.
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AuthorInfantry soldier in 1969 Vietnam. Two careers: 1st half, Accountant & persnnel.mgr. 2nd half, MA Ed. @ U of Iowa and taught in MS. A writer in retirement. Archives
December 2024
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