Exhibit profiles Guam's involvement in Vietnam conflict

by Kate Balser for KUAM News

About 47 years ago, the end of the Vietnam War was signified by the Fall of Saigon. On Friday, a new exhibit at Tumon Sands Plaza invites the public to take a look back at history. “Remembering Saigon: From Vietnam to Guam” will be open until September 15. 

The multimedia exhibit examines Guam’s involvement in the Vietnam war as well as its role in processing Vietnamese refugees during Operation New Life.  Dr. Evyn Lê Espiritu Gandhi is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who passed through Guam after the Fall of Saigon. Gandhi explained that their mission is to keep the history of Saigon alive.

“As many of you probably know Saigon actually doesn't exist anymore so this was the capital of south Vietnam um the short lived nation state and Saigon actually exists only in the hearts and the minds and the memories of for example Vietnamese refugees," she said.

The museum displays paintings, documents, and newspapers as well as interactive artifacts such as a B-52 pilot controller panel.  Throughout the exhibit, visitors will hear the important stories of CHamoru Vietnam war veterans and Vietnamese refugees.

Dr. Ganghi added, "A lot of people will submit their stories to us and you can listen to them and hear them in their original voices um as well as a lot of the local people who contributed to the um to Operation New Life." 

A special event is scheduled on Tuesday July 19 and will feature a panel of CHamoru war veterans and Vietnamese refugees.  “Remembering Saigon” is open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 6pm at Tumon Sands Plaza.

Those interested in donating or volunteering can email them at [email protected] or call 1-844-487-4362-3.