For decades, Ha Toung kept quiet about his experience in Southeast Asia. A former officer of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, he moved to the US after American troops left in 1975.
“We were invisible,” Toung said. “We didn’t start talking about our experiences until 10-15 years ago when we realized misinformation was spreading.”
Toung joined hundreds of Minnesotans commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of Southeast Asian conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Secret War. The event, hosted by the Minnesota Humanities Center, highlighted the lasting impacts on veterans and immigrants from Cambodia, Laos, Hmong, and Vietnam.
The state is home to over 140,000 people from these countries, with recognition of their contributions critical today. Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, said there’s beauty and wonder in these communities, but more opportunities for learning about the conflicts and cultures are needed.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/minnesotans-commemorate-southeast-asian-conflicts-50-years-later/601512690