THE PEOPLE OF VIETNAM

A WAY OF LIFE

Perhaps the oceans of time that separates them from the “American War” has faded their memory. The median population of Vietnam is roughly 33 years old, born after the war; too young to know better? Perhaps it is the thread of Buddhism that is Vietnam’s prevalent religion that gives them a serenity of living in the present and forgiving the past and not pining for an indeterminate future? Or perhaps it really is just this American, yours truly, oversimplifying a complicated past?

We here at VFH Central came away from our recent trip to Vietnam with a greater appreciation of her people. Whatever trepidations we had flying in were dispelled by the end of our trip. Thinking there would be corners of hatred or disillusionment with America with having abandoned the war in 1973, were not apparent. It is difficult to hate for that long.

Instead, everywhere we went we were greeted with smiling faces and a devout appreciation of our presence. Afterall, the Vietnam War was a fight for reunification of North and South Vietnam, a country bifurcated by history with the colonialist French and the threat of Communism. By just visiting Vietnam meant we accepted them as a people and not as a historical footnote.

Well, since Doi Moi (renovation) was rolled out in 1986 as a means of boosting a withered economy struggling with wars and the vagaries of Communism, Vietnam has adopted a market-based economy, and the country has excelled. One might even say, Communism doesn’t work, but whatever.

Personally, I have heard that Americans focus too much on the war and not the growth of her people and the beauty of the country. The people we met throughout our Vietnamese travels were just trying to make ends meet, many with smiling faces and showing an interest in us and honored that we were visiting their country. With some, the past is there, you can feel the slight edge in remembrances, but we genuinely ran into a lot more people who were happy.

We met a Hanoi business man in the elevator of our Saigon hotel who beamed at us surprised we had traveled all the way from the United States. Two little girls approached us while we strolled through a market, and wanted to practice the English they were learning in school. In that market, with stalls brimming with fruits, vegetables and meats, like beef as well as snakes and fish and dogs, the owners smiled back at us even when we just gawked at their wares. 

We stopped at a “Heroes Cemetery” for those who fought in the many wars and the caretaker there nearly jumped out of his shoes when I handed him a $2.00 US bill, which is considered extremely lucky in Vietnam. 

There was no hint of anger or regret when we visited with a stately matron of a splendid home in Bat Trang, a city known for ceramics. Her business of kilns and such led to wealth, but much was taken from her by the Communists in the notorious Land Reform program of 1954-56. We then met with a “worker” who was “gifted” a kiln and forged a pottery business that might not have been possible in the old way of doing things in Vietnam.

Everywhere we went there was a lot of this yin and yang going on that may seem troublesome to this American but by trip's end accepted as a way of life in Vietnam.

I was humbled.

Thanks for reading,

Love Janet and greg

© 2024 by Gregory Dunaj