Today, Dunwoody, Georgia, took a moment to reflect and honor its community as members, along with the Mayor and City Council, unveiled the Vietnam War Memorial in Brook Run Park. According to Dunwoody's official site, this event brought together the Vietnamese American Community of Georgia (VAC-GA) and the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association (AVVBA) to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of both the United States and the former Republic of South Vietnam.
The event brought history to life with the dedication of a monument featuring life-sized bronze statues of an American infantry soldier and a South Vietnamese soldier standing together. Behind these statues are two large memorial walls listing the names of soldiers from both nations who lost their lives in the conflict. John Butler, project director for the AVVBA, expressed the dedication's sentiment, stating, "There is a deep desire among the Vietnamese American people and the American soldiers who fought in Vietnam to honor both the South Vietnamese soldiers and the American soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom from Communism in Vietnam," he told Dunwoody's official site.
Notable speeches were given by Lapthe Chau Flora, a retired U.S. Army Major General who fled Communist Vietnam, and Ron Helmly, a retired Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army who served multiple tours in Vietnam. The Golden Eagles Band provided a lively soundtrack, and a Huey helicopter that served in the conflict was displayed.
TraMy Nguyen, project director for VAC-GA, reflected on the dangerous journey many community members took after the fall of Saigon, stating, "Most of our members were born in South Vietnam and came to America after the fall of Saigon, risking their lives to escape to America," as she mentioned on Dunwoody's official site.
In a tone of solemn respect, this landmark serves as a unique testament in the U.S. to the partnership between Vietnamese refugees and U.S. veterans—the only one of its kind—representing the loss and legacy of over 300,000 Vietnamese and 58,000 American lives. Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Director Rachel Waldron noted, "We're honored that the AVVBA and VAC-GA chose Dunwoody and beautiful Brook Run Park for this memorial, which will make a lasting impression on all who visit," as reported by Dunwoody's official site.
