Vietnam and U.S. Mark Fall of Saigon at 50

The 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon is being marked both in Vietnam and among Vietnamese diaspora communities worldwide, especially in the United States. In Vietnam, the anniversary is commemorated with military parades and messages of reconciliation, unity, and national progress. Across the U.S., Vietnamese Americans and veterans gather at places like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington and Eden Center in Virginia to honor those affected, share personal stories, and reflect on loss, resilience, and survivor’s guilt. New memorials, such as one in Bloomington, are being established to honor all veterans and provide spaces for reflection. Generational differences shape how the war and its aftermath are remembered in diaspora communities. These events underscore the enduring personal, communal, and national legacy of the war and highlight ongoing efforts toward healing and understanding.