| May 20, 2008 |
Da Nang, Viet Nam – A day of History |
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| The ubiquitous conical hat provides shelter in the sweltering summers |
Clear skies, and rolling green hills welcomed Peace Boat into it first port of call, Da Nang, in the early hours of the morning.
Da Nang is the fourth biggest city in Viet Nam. During the height of the war, Da Nang was often referred to as the ‘Saigon of the North’. Among several study and exchange programs planned, a group of 40 Peace Boat participants took part in a tour to learn about the history of Viet Nam. |
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| Mr Huynh’s right eye was destroyed when he was captured and tortured by US forces |
The first stop was at the home of a 76-year old ex Viet Cong member, Trung Huynh.
Participants were warmly welcomed to his small home in a village set amongst a patchwork of paddy fields with peasant women wearing conical hats. Though Mr Huynh and his wife could not speak Japanese or English, Peace Boat participants were warmly welcomed with a cup of Vietnamese tea and a warm handshake. |
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| Mr Huynh showed us how he would climb into the tiny tunnel |
In March 1965, the first US combat troops arrived in Da Nang. As the fighting increased, the death toll rose and more US personnel arrived, the area became heavily populated with Viet Cong guerrilla fighters. Viet Cong, formally known at the National Liberation Front, called for a neutralization of Viet Nam, the withdrawal of all foreign troops and gradual reunification of the North and South.
During the day the Viet Cong would work as farmers or fishermen. At night they would wage war against the occupying US forces. Through a translator participants learnt of the difficulties Mr Huynh’s village had to go through under US occupation and his own experiences. His four brothers and wife were captured, tortured and murdered by US forces.
Mr Huynh amazed the group by opening a little door by his shrine to show the underground tunnel in which his family and other guerrillas would hide when the US soldiers were carrying out an attack. |
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| The front of the museum displayed many US military vehicles captured during the war |
The group left with heartfelt gratitude that Mr Huynh had taken time to share his painful memories with such kindness. The next stop was Ho Chi Minh Museum, where participants were given a lecture about the history of Viet Nam during the French-Viet Minh War and the American war. |
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| Peace Boat participants being welcomed to the centre by the students |
Peace Boat participants then went to a center caring for children born with birth defects as a result of Agent Orange. US forces sprayed 72 million liters of herbicides (including Agent Orange, White and Blue), over 16% of South Viet Nam to destroy the Viet Cong’s natural vegetation cover and food supply. In Viet Nam 700,000 children are currently living with the effects of Agent Orange. Because these children are unable to look after themselves, parents need to stay at home to care for them. As a result, families struggle to earn an income to pull them out of the poverty cycle. |
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| A dragonfly brooch made by one of the girls. All the jewelery are packed in handmade boxes. |
Centers such as the one participants visited aim to help families overcome this difficulty. The children at the Da Nang Sponsored Center are taught life skills such as sewing, carpentry and jewelery making in order to empower them within society. The jewelery they make is sold to the public. It is hoped in the future, more of the children’s work will be sold and they will be able to independently make some money from their skills. |
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| The children loved posing for photographs |
The centre was established by Da Nang Association for victims of Agent Orange in September 2006. Currently it cares for 60 children aged between 13 and 22. The children live at home with their family and attend the centre from morning till 4pm. Abnormal development of mental intellect is the most common birth defect. One child had cancer.
For many of the participants this was the first time they had met children living with a physical and/or mental disability. It was a window into a world where the brutality of power politics always hurts the most vulnerable – women and children.
Though the Viet Nam war ended 33 years ago, being able to see the lingering effects of one the most violent and pointless conflicts in history, was an eye opening experience for all.
It was certainly a harsh reminder that the people of Viet Nam are still continuing to suffer physically, mentally and economically because of the war. |
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| A warm loving hug to say goodbye |
After a lavish lunch provided by the centre, Peace Boat participants cheered and clapped as the children sang and danced for them. It was a gesture of appreciation from the children to the participants for visiting them and learning about the difficulties they face. It was also a way for the children to show off their talents and feel like there were people in the world that cared about their wellbeing. Before leaving, Peace Boat presented the center with color pencils, erasers, notebooks and a monetary donation. These items were previously identified as being needed for the children. |
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Students wearing an ‘ao dai’ performed the Conical Hat Dance
Photo courtesy of Gretchen
Conti |
Back at the port, Viet Namese students put on a colorful farewell performance of traditional song and dance. As passengers watched this vibrant display of hospitality and waved goodbye, there were a few tears as they reflected on the friendships made and experiences gained. |
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