By Hoi Trinh , Apr 19, ’13
April 30, 2013 will mark the 38th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, the annihilation of South Vietnam by communist forces in the North, or otherwise popularly known as the end of the Vietnam War. Without this day, there wouldn’t be as many Vietnamese restaurants in your ‘hood. And without this day I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.
Having spent nearly two decades abroad before returning to Vietnam in 2007, I am often asked about growing up in post-war Vietnam and how the country is faring 38 years after the communist takeover. What often strikes me is the fact that when I ask what they already know about Vietnam, there are generally only two versions of the country’s post-war experience. Continue reading