I was five years old when the Viet Nam War ended (April 30th, 1975). The war brought out all sorts of emotions in the United States as well as in Viet Nam. Some supported it while others opposed it. Thousands of lives were lost on both sides in this twenty-year-long war (1955-1975) in addition to countless civilian deaths and casualties. Although South Vietnamese like me lost the war and had to suffer tremendously under the Communist government, we have taken solace in the fact that our motherland is no longer ravaged by war and its painful effects. Many South Vietnamese had to risk their lives by air, land, and boats to sneak out of Viet Nam and find a new life of freedom when the Communists took over the South or the Republic of Viet Nam. Now, watching how my countrymen celebrated this Anniversary in Viet Nam with fancy parade and elaborate fanfare, I can tell that they have moved on from the painful past of the Viet Nam War. Then again, most of the participants look too young to remember this tragic war.
Here in West Michigan, USA some Vietnamese immigrants and I went to Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to reflect on the 50th Anniversary by watching some documentary clips such as “Operation Baby Lift,” listening to panel discussion on the early days of the Vietnamese immigrants and their contributions to America , and performing some cultural music and dance. Demand for this important event was so high that its seats were all booked up several days before. However, you can still have a sneak peek of it now by clicking on these link Here is the link to the program on YouTube and You can see them all here. One of the main goals for us to do at the Museum was to thank and pay tribute to our hero President Gerald R. Ford, who had courage to do the right things for the victims of the Viet Nam War and showed hospitality and compassion to the first Vietnamese immigrants in West Michigan. His integrity and commitment to peace and stability is second to none and much needed in leadership for our current world. He sure brought healing to the victims of this war and helped turn America into the shining city on the hill for the whole world to admire.
His investment and trust in the Vietnamese immigrants has paid off enormously. For the first generation of Vietnamese immigrants and future ones have contributed their talents and good work ethics to the economic growth and prosperity of America. I myself have chosen to be a priest/chaplain to bring healing to the Viet Nam Vets at the Home for Veterans for a decade and spiritual wellbeing to American society. My current church has sponsored a parish in Haiti for many years and collaborated with Feeding America program to distribute foods monthly to a few hundred of families in Grand Rapids City, Michigan. Some people might get bitter about their misfortunes and take it out on others. But, the Vietnamese immigrants in West Michigan and in America for that matter are thankful for their second chance and have been able to live in harmony with others and pay forward every day. God bless America and President Gerald R. Ford for welcoming Vietnamese immigrants when we needed a home.