Living in Vietnam between 1965 and 1975 was very difficult. The U.S, allied with the south, was meant to stop the spread of communism and prevent any attacks from the Vietcong of the north. Though, they did treat civilians when they were caught in the cross fire the U.S did a substantial amount of damage to the civilian population. The soldiers would destroy villages suspected of housing Vietcong and use many chemical bombs to destroy the communist’s food supplies (Howard Zinn). These violent acts affected civilians the most.
The war ESCALATES, Is anywhere safe?
Dear Ms. Nancy
My family and I have been living in My Lai for generations, but now we have nothing. U.S soldiers came and burned everything to the ground. They believed we were housing Vietcong troops and took our dried mud bunkers(for air raids) as an offense to them. They burned everything! I thought they were suppose to be fighting for our freedom, I do not have trust in the Americans anymore, yet i am fearful of those brutal northerners. I just want to protect my family. What should I do now? Where should I go? Is anywhere safe?
~Anonymous
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Dear Anonymous,
I know how you are feeling. Many families have lost everything because of this never ending war. If you are fearful of the Vietcong closing in on the south and have lost faith in the south and american war efforts you must do as follows. You must take your family and flee as south as you can. The Vietcong have covered much ground in the past couple years so it will be difficult to find somewhere completely Vietcong free. If you can not continue in Vietnam, take your family to the coastline and escape to one of the refugee camps. Many neighboring countries have been supporting our country and have set up various refugee camps. Make sure to pack light for it is a dangerous journey. Even if you do not know the way, wanderers have been picked up by ally ships off the coasts. Do not think it is ideal. Some of the "refugees" have been disguising themselves and are actually pirates so the ally ships have been hesitant lately. The refugee camps should be your last resort, for the journey may take a toll on your kids. Try to go south first and remember that no matter where you are you will find people to help you. Good Luck.
Sincerely, Ms.Nancy
My family and I have been living in My Lai for generations, but now we have nothing. U.S soldiers came and burned everything to the ground. They believed we were housing Vietcong troops and took our dried mud bunkers(for air raids) as an offense to them. They burned everything! I thought they were suppose to be fighting for our freedom, I do not have trust in the Americans anymore, yet i am fearful of those brutal northerners. I just want to protect my family. What should I do now? Where should I go? Is anywhere safe?
~Anonymous
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Anonymous,
I know how you are feeling. Many families have lost everything because of this never ending war. If you are fearful of the Vietcong closing in on the south and have lost faith in the south and american war efforts you must do as follows. You must take your family and flee as south as you can. The Vietcong have covered much ground in the past couple years so it will be difficult to find somewhere completely Vietcong free. If you can not continue in Vietnam, take your family to the coastline and escape to one of the refugee camps. Many neighboring countries have been supporting our country and have set up various refugee camps. Make sure to pack light for it is a dangerous journey. Even if you do not know the way, wanderers have been picked up by ally ships off the coasts. Do not think it is ideal. Some of the "refugees" have been disguising themselves and are actually pirates so the ally ships have been hesitant lately. The refugee camps should be your last resort, for the journey may take a toll on your kids. Try to go south first and remember that no matter where you are you will find people to help you. Good Luck.
Sincerely, Ms.Nancy
Most information from "Refugee Camps" and "Howard Zinn."