If you are looking for a good cry, get yourself over to the
War Remnants Museum in Saigon, stat. Formerly known as the Museum of Chinese and American
War Crimes, it has a reputation of being - how shall I say - one sided? I,
however, didn’t find it to be unfairly biased. Nothing on display there is false, or
exaggerated. Rather, I found it to be a shockingly uncensored display of the
absolutely horrible, brutal truth of war. Upsetting, gut wrenching, horrifying…
Yes. Showing things you’d rather not see? Things that make it difficult to go
about your day? Things that make you feel uncomfortable to be associated in any way whatsoever with what happened here? Yes, yes and yes.
Look, I’m no historian. I knew zero about the Vietnam War
before stepping foot in this country two months ago. I have the utmost respect
for those who were involved in it, and I know horrible things were done on both sides. I will not attempt to form an opinion on something I am completely ignorant about. For me, looking
back upon something I am lucky to have no personal connection to whatsoever,
it’s not the sides that matter. It’s the lives. And I was absolutely shattered
by the atrocities that happened to people here. Vietnamese people and American
people and – who cares – people. From
anywhere. Everywhere. Who weren’t in control of the politics behind it. Who didn’t choose
this.
One particularly powerful exhibition was a collection of
images from journalists and photographers who were killed or went missing here. Often, the
last shot in their roll of film. Moments before some took their very last
breath. I can’t even begin to describe the haunting power of these photos. Another
section was dedicated to the victims of Agent Orange. Not just 40 years ago, but
today. Generations later. Deformations like you could not even fathom in your
wildest nightmares. Some things that were so hard to look at, I had to leave.
I sobbed my way through most of the museum. So much pain, so
much loss, and for what? When I analyze it too long, I feel I might drown
under the weight of it. We walked out feeling shaken, humbled, and a little
nauseous. Into a humid afternoon to the waiting carts of street vendors, taxi
drivers, sunglass salesmen. How have these people moved forward? Past the
unfathomable destruction and devastation? Beyond the tragedies that have lingered
for decades? I suppose it’s cause they are focused on today. Making a living, cherishing their loved ones, getting by in
the present. It really puts our trivial problems and worries into perspective. And
I suppose that all we can do, is the same.
Thank you for this post, from one of the many Americans who was horrified by, deplored and opposed this war while it was happening. We must learn and never forget the tragic lessons of war.
ReplyDeleteTravel presents the opportunity to learn. That museum must present some interesting evidence on the Material Industrial Complex.
ReplyDeleteWow. Thank you for the afternoon cry. Your post inspired me to do a little bit of research on Agent Orange, and the Vietnam War in general. I can't even imagine touring the museum or seeing the underground living spaces/tunnels that you talked about in previous posts. It's incredibly depressing, distressing and upsetting. But definitely something that should not be forgotten or ignored. I hope one day we will stop doing this to ourselves. Thanks for afternoon enlightenment. And I do mean that sincerely. It was difficult to read and research, but well worth the education. Safe Travels to you and Reece. I look forward to reading more and living vicariously through you both. ~Amy
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all of your feedback. It was a difficult one to write and post, and I appreciate hearing your voice! :)
ReplyDelete