Vietnam Honors Veterans, Commemorates 50 Years Since Saigon's Fall

Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, the legacy of the Vietnam War continues to resonate in both the U.S. and Vietnam, with events commemorating veterans and discussions about reconciliation. In Barnegat, New Jersey, Thy Cavagnaro, a Vietnamese refugee, organized a Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony to honor American soldiers, emphasizing the importance of involving youth in such remembrances. Meanwhile, U.S. veterans are making pilgrimages back to Vietnam, reflecting on the transformation of former war zones into vibrant communities. Veterans like Paul Hazelton expressed gratitude for the current friendly relations between the two countries, highlighting the mutual benefits of tourism and trade. This year marks significant anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary of Saigon's fall and the 30th of renewed U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations. Both the memorial events and the return of veterans underscore a collective effort to heal and remember the past.