We call it the Vietnam War. They call it the American War. This is the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM in Saigon, now named Ho Chi Minh city. According to TripAdvisor this is the top tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh city. Deservedly. Hard to do it justice with a few pics, but I'll give it a go.
You're told to start at the top floor. An exhibition there is entitled: "Home Truths". One on the second floor is entitled: "Agent Orange". Little has been spared.
The story starts with the text from a 1945 Ho Chi Minh speech: "Vietnam has the right to enjoy freedom and independence and has really become a free and independent country. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to mobilise all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and property to safeguard their liberty and independence..."
Caption reads: "Painted signs designed to instill aggressive spirit. At Foort Polks AIT Center (Louisiana)..."
The exhibition quotes original words and lets these tell the story. American Senator Wayne Morse, Sept 23, 1965, most likely after the USA got involved after the Gulf of Tonkin incident (pretext rather like: "Iran has weapons of mass destruction....").
This table shows the extent of the role of New Zealand (satellite country) between 1964 and 1972.
Wonderfully smug portrait of President Nixon. Text suggests Americans considered Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia as pretty much the same.
Tonnage of bombs dropped.
Famous shot. Independence Palace is now called Reunification Palace. Great place to visit too. Said to be excellent example of 1960's architecture.
One room was dedicated to the photographers. Photo magazines in the USA played a crucial role in turning public opinion....
Famous images are on display.
This interpretation image describes the purpose and origins of this part of the Remnants Museum.
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Caption: "Twins were born in 25th February at Sa Thay where was agent orange heavily sprayed area, west of Kon Tum, central highland in central Vietnam (Tu Du hospital, 1984).
These guys are sitting with a pair of heads removed from the decapitated bodies. Looks like this was published in USA. Read the text that goes with it...
Picture on left is marine holding up part of someone who has been hit with a rocket propelled grenade. Right hand pic is of two prisoners being dragged to death. A lot of information is provided explaining that USA strategy was to be cruel, to scare/terrify Vietnam into submission.
Which brings us the agent orange display and exhibition.
With gas masks. How useful were those I wonder?
The message reads: "Come to the victims of agent orange, the poorest of the poor, the most suffering of those who suffer!" And it goes on.
Outside. Other remnants.
A sobering exhibition. Makes you think and reflect. All the more compelling when you've been on the street, drinking and eating with the people. So much laughing and smiling.
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