In honoring a significant milestone, Washington has embraced its role as a haven for Southeast Asian refugees, marking half a century since the first set of war-displaced individuals landed on its grounds. According to Legacy Washington, a new book titled "New Land: Southeast Asian Refugees Finding Home in Washington" captures this transformative period. The narrative unfolds through 15 poignant stories that weave a fabric of courage and resilience, observed by the book's authors, John C. Hughes and Edward Echtle Jr.
Bringing light to the diversity within Washington, the authors, a chief historian for the Office of the Secretary of State and an oral historian for Legacy Washington, immortalized voices both from first-generation refugees and their descendants, who recollected their trials beginning anew in foreign soil. "Arriving as refugees, many endured profound hardships as they started over from scratch," Echtle revealed.
It all began with a group of 34 refugees from Vietnam, who were welcomed at Camp Murray near Tacoma on May 20, 1975. By the year's end, more than 4,000 Southeast Asians had found refuge in Washington. Now, nearly 50 years later, the latest Census has revealed that Asian American/Pacific Islanders make up more than 10 percent of the state's population, enriching Washington with both ancient traditions and contemporary civic engagement.
Expressing a personal connection, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs shared his intersection with this history, paired in elementary school with refugee children to foster both acclimation and friendship. "But while they were learning about America from us, I learned so much about the trials and tribulations of their former lives in Southeast Asia from them," Hobbs said. Reflecting on this history, Washingtonians have since taken an active role in weaving together a story of integration and mutual enrichment.
For those interested in exploring these firsthand accounts of history and integration, "New Land" is available for purchase through the Office of the Secretary of State's online store.
