Nearly fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, the reverberations of this tumultuous period continue to resonate across the globe. Last week, I traveled to Lubbock, Texas, to attend a conference commemorating the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The journey itself became a poignant metaphor. As my plane approached Denver, I gazed out the window at a surprising sight: a blanket of snow in April. This unexpected snowfall evoked powerful memories, mirroring the incongruity of the music broadcast on Saigon's FM radio on the morning of April 29th, 1975 – "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." The juxtaposition of the tropical heat of Saigon and the wintry imagery of the song served as a chilling premonition of the events to unfold. The stark contrast between the reality on the ground and the surreal radio broadcast remains a haunting image. The following day, at sea, the sounds of distant gunfire and the cries of the departing mingled with the waves, permanently etching the memory into my mind.
The conference, "1975: The End of the Vietnam War," held at Texas Tech University from April 10th to 13th, delved deep into the multifaceted legacy of this conflict. While April 30th marked the official end of the war, the half-century since has seen a relentless stream of research and reflection from both sides of the Pacific. The conference brought together an impressive array of scholars, students, veterans, journalists, writers, musicians, activists, and community members, engaging in thirty stimulating discussions.
Diverse Perspectives on a Complex War
The presentations offered a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the war and its aftermath. The experiences of American soldiers were explored, with Paloma Guerra examining their time in the Cu Chi tunnels and Brian Washam focusing on the treatment of American prisoners of war. Oscar Coles detailed the equipment and materials soldiers brought with them, including publications like the Truong Son Newspaper. Uyen Nguyen provided insights into the role of the local forces of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN), adding a crucial layer to the narrative often overlooked in Western accounts.
George "Jay" Veith provided a historical analysis of the Hanoi military campaign in March and April 1975, leading to the fall of Saigon. John F. Burn recounted the harrowing details of Operation Frequent Wind, the frantic evacuation of Americans and South Vietnamese allies in the final hours of the war. Miguel Lechuga's presentation focused on the successes and failures of Operation Babylift, the mass evacuation of Vietnamese orphans. These presentations paint a vivid picture of the chaotic and emotionally charged final days of the war.
The post-April 1975 refugee experience was another significant theme. The establishment of refugee camps and the subsequent resettlement of over 120,000 Vietnamese in the United States were discussed in depth. Cao Hai, Steve Potts, and Nghia M. Vo shared accounts of the refugees' struggles and triumphs in rebuilding their lives across various American states, from California to Georgia and Minnesota. Their presentations highlight the remarkable resilience and adaptability of the Vietnamese diaspora.
Long-Term Consequences: Re-education Camps, Agent Orange, and Human Rights
The conference didn't shy away from the difficult aspects of the post-war period. The enduring legacy of the war extends far beyond the immediate battlefield, influencing the geopolitical landscape, social structures and human rights situation for decades. The normalization of US-Vietnam relations, beginning in 1995, was examined by Ma Y Van, highlighting the complex path to reconciliation.
Amanda C. Demmer's presentation on After Saigon's Fall: A 50-Year Retrospection acknowledged the significant challenges and limited achievements in American-Vietnamese relations. Topics ranged from the POW/MIA issue to the harsh conditions in re-education camps, the plight of boat people, and the devastating long-term effects of Agent Orange. This unflinching examination is essential to a complete understanding of the war's enduring impact.
Andrew Wells-Dang, a Southeast Asia expert, who was notably dismissed from the United States Institute of Peace under the Trump administration, discussed the crucial role of US aid to Vietnam through USAID projects and the potential consequences of cutting programs like the VOA Vietnamese language broadcasts and Radio Free Asia. He argued that such reductions could negatively impact US influence in Southeast Asia.
Alex-Thoi Dinh Vo's presentation on the post-war repressive policies of the communist regime highlighted the systemic suppression of dissent. Alec Holcombe explored the historical context of Article 4 of the Vietnamese constitution, emphasizing the limitations placed on freedoms and dissent. The chilling presentation on the repression and suppression of free expression highlighted the need for further discussion regarding human rights, political freedom and the rule of law.
Cody J. Billock's contribution focused on Hue in the days following its liberation, showcasing the silencing of prominent figures like Nha Ca, Trinh Cong Son, Phan Nhat Nam, Bishop Nguyen Kim Dien, and Father Nguyen Van Ly, many of whom faced imprisonment and restrictions on their creative endeavors. This presentation highlighted the tragic loss of cultural and intellectual life in the aftermath of the war.
Tuong Vu analyzed the brutal policies of Hanoi, using specific cases such as Vinh Son and Dong Cong to illustrate the extent of the regime's repression. Tuan Hoang's presentation examined the activities and evolution of the Catholic Church under the communist regime, a religious institution that has consistently been targeted and suppressed under the communist regime. Trinh Luu's research shed light on the systematic dismantling of Southern culture following the war. The long-lasting cultural suppression continues to be a topic of discussion, with the desire for a balanced and inclusive national narrative gaining momentum.
The devastating consequences of the war continued to be highlighted by Diane Fox's presentation on the long-term effects of Agent Orange and Michael Peavey's work on the health challenges faced by former prisoners of re-education camps. These topics underscore the severe physical and psychological toll the war exacted on millions of people, many of whom continue to suffer from its consequences. These presentations served as a necessary reminder of the lasting impact of war and the importance of accountability.
Tran Nguyen Phuong Thao, Ta Bao Long, and Tiana Duong offered a powerful presentation on the Bien Hoa Military Cemetery, now known as the Binh An People's Cemetery. Their research highlighted the limited access to the cemetery and the reluctance of many to speak about their experiences due to fear of retribution. They emphasized the resilience of one veteran, who despite the risks, continued to maintain the graves of fallen soldiers, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and respect.
The Vietnamese-American Community: Shaping Identities and Narratives
The experiences of the Vietnamese-American community were also a central focus. Nguyen's research explored the shaping of conservative and anti-communist sentiments within this community, providing valuable insight into the complex political dynamics that shaped its identity and culture. Erica Allen-Kim discussed the development of Little Saigon, underscoring the vibrant community that emerged from the diaspora.
The conference also included a number of presentations focused on the cultural and artistic landscape of Vietnam before and after 1975. Jason Nguyen compared Southern music before and after the fall of Saigon, revealing the significant shifts in musical expression during and after the war. Phu Vu's analysis of Northern and Southern music, as well as the work of Women-Tran, offers another significant cultural contribution. Connecticut University's work on post-war literature offered a balanced and insightful perspective into the literary and artistic changes.
Human Rights and the Pursuit of Justice
A dedicated seminar on human rights explored the cases of numerous prisoners of conscience over the past fifty years, including Nha Ca, Doan Quoc Sy, Nguyen Chi Thien, Nguyen Dan Que, Doan Thanh Liem, Doan Viet Hoat, Le Quoc Quan, Pham Doan Trang, Huy Duc, and Nguyen Son Lo. The presentations underscored the persistent struggle for human rights in Vietnam and the unwavering efforts of the Vietnamese diaspora to advocate for freedom and justice. Huynh Luong Thien's presentation highlighted the critical role of the press in raising awareness about human rights abuses in Vietnam. Nguyen Minh Huy, a musician, along with Le Diem Chi Hue and the Hung Ca movement, showcased the power of music in advocating for human rights.
Intergenerational Perspectives and Family Histories
The conference attracted many young people of the 1.5 and second generations, demonstrating a growing interest in understanding the Vietnamese-American experience. These young scholars are actively pursuing their studies in history, social sciences, and humanities, contributing their talents to furthering the research into the history, culture and people of Vietnam. Their participation highlights the ongoing relevance of the Vietnam War and the enduring connection between the diaspora and their homeland.
Several particularly moving presentations centered on family histories and intergenerational perspectives. Chuong Do and Chu Do shared their experiences escaping Vietnam in April 1975. Nghia M. Vo and Christina Vo offered contrasting perspectives on their relationship with Vietnam. Christina's work, My Vietnam, Your Vietnam, captures the differences between her father's memories of the war and her own experiences discovering the country.
Controversies and Emotional Reckoning
A particularly intense moment occurred during Le Ly Hayslip's presentation. The author of When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, which was adapted into a film by Oliver Stone, shared her personal story of survival and reconciliation. However, her emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation without acknowledging the experiences of boat people, including victims of rape and imprisonment in re-education camps, sparked protests among some attendees. About twenty people quietly left the dining hall in protest, highlighting the deep-seated emotional wounds and the complexities of reconciliation.
Another poignant moment came during Andrew Lam's presentation, where he discussed his late father, Lieutenant General Lam Quang Thi, and the impact of his work. The General's publications, Twenty-Five-Year Century and Hell in An Loc, attempted to counter negative portrayals of the RVN in the American media. Andrew recounted his father's emotional response upon learning of the publication of Hell in An Loc, a testament to the author's lasting legacy and contribution to the historical narrative.
Evyn Espiritu-Gandhi and Zora Mai Quynh also shared family stories centered on fallen members of the RVN, including Colonel Ho Ngoc Can and Major General Nguyen Ngoc Loan. Their presentations challenged conventional narratives by exploring the human cost of war and the complexity of historical figures often reduced to simplistic representations. Zora Mai Quynh's account of her uncle's story, connected to the infamous Eddie Adams photograph of the execution of a Viet Cong guerrilla, exposed the manipulations and deviations of the American media narrative surrounding the event.
Unanswered Questions and Future Directions
Tuong Vu's insightful question, "Who liberated whom?", encapsulates the ongoing debate about the interpretation of the Vietnam War. This question, along with many others raised during the conference, highlights the need for continued research and critical analysis.
Stephen Young, author of Kissinger's Betrayal, offered an optimistic view of potential changes in Vietnam, based on a recent speech by General Secretary To Lam that conspicuously omitted references to Marxism-Leninism and socialism. However, George "Jay" Veith, a seasoned scholar of Vietnam, expressed skepticism regarding the possibility of meaningful reforms.
The Vietnam Center at Texas Tech University, established over thirty years ago by former US Navy officer James Reckner, has been instrumental in fostering scholarship on Vietnam. The center's extensive archives, containing over thirty million pages of documents and thousands of artifacts, provide invaluable resources for researchers. The center's collections include important documents gathered by scholar Douglas Pike and the extensive personal archives of Ms. Khuc Minh Tho related to the H.O. The Vietnam Archive is a treasure trove of materials that allows future researchers to access the full history of the Vietnam War.
This year's conference concluded with Professor Stephen Maxner's announcement of next year's seminar in Vietnam. This decision, however, highlights a significant challenge: ensuring academic freedom and open discussion in a country where these freedoms are often curtailed. The conference underscores the need for continued dialogue and research to achieve a more complete and nuanced understanding of the Vietnam War and its enduring legacy. The hope is that Vietnam will embrace academic freedom, fostering a more open and productive environment for historical study and cultural exchange. The recent meeting between a member of the Politburo and some intellectuals in Saigon offers a glimmer of hope, but only time will tell if this indicates true change.