Remembering a Terrible War

Hello My Dear Great Ones,

A visit to Vietnam is not complete without a history lesson on one of the most depressing and savage wars of the 20th century.  The Vietnam War (1955-1975) was a war the Americans fought in to prevent communists from taking over Vietnam.  They also feared if Vietnam would become communist it would start a domino affect and other countries in south east Asia would follow suit.  Well the Americans failed in their quest to eradicate communism in Vietnam.  The country is officially called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and a communist government rules.  Yet, as the fall of communism in Russia and Eastern Europe proves communist economic policies simply do not work.  During the early 80's many Vietnamese fled their country, due to communist oppression and poor economic policies, by the thousands and the "boat people," became an international issue much like the situation in Europe with all the refugees coming in from the middle east.  The only reason I believe that the communist governments in China and Vietnam have survived, and not fallen like they did in Europe, is because they eventually adopted western style, capitalistic economic systems.  American franchises like Starbucks, Mcdonalds, and Nike are being embraced by the Vietnamese, and American companies are setting up factories throughout the country because labour is cheap.  The Americans may have lost the Vietnam War but they are winning economically in Vietnam.  In the end money is a great peace maker.    

Nevertheless the "War Remnants Museum," is a must see in Ho Chi Minh City.  I think every leader considering war, in fact any country considering military action against someone, should spend a few hours there.  The pictures at the museum are startling and achingly graphic of how terrible war is. 

Cu Chi Tunnels

The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for theTết Offensive in 1968.

The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.

Celia and visited the Cu Chi tunnels and were astounded at how small they were.  We also were shocked at the vicious booby traps that were set up near the tunnels.  It was very apparent that despite the Americans having all the latest and greatest military hardware at their disposal, that they could not defeat the Viet Cong because of their elaborate tunnel systems and ferocious determination to protect their homeland.

There were shelters near the tunnels allowing the Viet Cong some respite from being underground.

Booby traps like these were set up all over the Cu Chi area.

Openings to tunnels were ridiculously small and well camouflaged.

Celia going into an opening that was enlarged for tourists.

I had to crawl inside the tunnels because they were so small.  Not fun.

A model of what some of the tunnels looked like.

I am thankful that I have never had to experience war.  So far.  Pray for peace always.

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk