Vietnamese Americans Reflect On Fall Of Saigon

Vietnamese Americans Reflect On Fall Of Saigon

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Story Published: Apr 30, 2005 at 4:22 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:55 AM PDT

By April Zepeda

SEATTLE - April 30, 2005 marks the 30-year anniversary of the day when United States withdrew the last of its troops from Vietnam and the communists took over the country.

The fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War, and beginning of waves of refugees into the U.S.

"I actually left Vietnam on this day 30 years ago. The only story my Dad will tell me, was that he almost dropped me in the ocean because he was carrying me as a baby to the boat," said Nhien Nguyen at a day of remembrance ceremony in Seattle.

The 30th anniversary is being remembered by the 125,000 Vietnamese Americans who live in Washington State.

Many in King County gathered at Union Station to revisit the painful past. They also paid homage to those who died and those who escaped.

"My parents' generation really suffered. For them, the Vietnam war was yesterday," said Thao Tran. "This is a day for me to pay tribute for those who fought and died, and my parents generation."

Xuyen Van remembers the painful loss.

"We lost our family, our country, every part of everything," he said.

The group of a 100 marched to Seattle's new city hall, joined by American Vietnam war vets.

"Truth be told, I have more affinity with these people than my own most of the time," said veteran John Matthews.

But through the painful memories there is hope for the future.

"We would like to steer people in a new direction," said Thao Tran. "Although we don't forget our past, we do have a community to take care of and we want to be a stronger community here."

"Here" is Western Washington, which became -- and remains -- a gateway for Vietnam refugees to rebuild their lives.

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