Vietnam War's Legacy: Danger, Memory, and Commemoration

Fifty years after the Vietnam War ended, its legacy continues to affect lives in Southeast Asia and the United States. Millions of tons of unexploded bombs remain in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, still endangering civilians, and cleanup efforts are threatened by reductions in U.S. foreign aid. In the U.S., Vietnamese American communities commemorate their experiences and resilience through art exhibits like 'Hoa Tay (Flower Hands)' in Louisiana. American veterans are honored through exhibitions and events such as 'The Things They Brought Home' in Tacoma and the Western North Dakota Honor Flight, providing opportunities for reflection and healing. These commemorations, alongside ongoing risks from wartime remnants, highlight the war's continuing impact on memory, identity, and public safety across generations. The legacy of the conflict remains present in both the everyday lives and historical consciousness of those affected.