Fifty years ago this week Communist forces seized the city of Saigon bringing an end to the Vietnam war.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, a significant historical moment that ended the Vietnam War and marked the reunification of North and South Vietnam. The atmosphere during the last days of the conflict was fraught with tension, as U.S. Navy personnel undertook massive evacuation exercises, airlifting approximately 6,500 individuals, including nearly 900 Americans, in chaotic scenes reminiscent of the desperation felt by many trying to flee the advancing North Vietnamese forces. The fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, ushered in a new era, marking the definitive closure of a tumultuous chapter that not only affected Vietnam but also had far-reaching consequences for the United States and its allies. The reflections from Vietnamese individuals who grew up in the aftermath of the war reveal a complex narrative marked by intergenerational trauma, loss, and identity struggles. Stories like that of Victoria Ngo, who navigated her Vietnamese identity while living in a Chinese-speaking community in the U.S., illustrate the void left by the silence surrounding the war in her family. Many Vietnamese refugees experience a profound sense of loss, as family narratives of the war can evoke deep emotional pains that are rarely discussed openly. The perspectives of both North and South Vietnamese—and the refugees who fled the country—paint a picture of a divided heritage that is often overlooked in mainstream narratives. As Vietnam approaches this anniversary, the official narrative focusing on the 'liberation' of the South contrasts sharply with the experiences of those families who fled in fear of persecution and chose life in exile over unification under communist rule. This divergence of narratives is felt on both sides of the Pacific, manifesting in varying degrees of resentment towards Vietnam’s leadership among older generations of refugees and their younger counterparts who seek to understand their history. Attempts at reconciliation are ongoing, as seen in the conversations around these experiences. The historical and emotional landscape reveals how the events of April 30, 1975, continue to resonate deeply, allowing for dialogues that can either bridge divides or exacerbate them in the present day. Overall, this commemoration serves as a reminder of the war's lasting impact and the importance of acknowledging diverse narratives, including those of families who now feel alienated both from their homeland and their heritage. Through the exploration of these collective memories, many seek to honor lost lives and foster understanding among future generations, promoting healing in a nation where the scars of conflict still linger.