Previously
I was a Vietnamese. Today, I am an American.
That
is a very simple statement, but behind it, there is a long and deep
relationship, long and deep wrapping and twisting history.
Previously
I was a Vietnamese. Today, I am an American.
In
1873, a Vietnamese Royal Court Mandarin named Bùi Viện became the very first
Vietnamese visit America. He was my great grandfather. Visiting President Grant
in 1873, he certainly could not imagine that 200 years after that visit, his
descendants became American.
Previously,
I was a Vietnamese. Today, I am an American
That
is a simple statement, but for us, that journey was not simple or easy.
America
has done so much for me, for my family, for all the Vietnamese people, for our
old country Vietnam.
Today,
I would like to repeat our thanks to America.
Thank
you America,
After
World War II, American had given the Vietnamese a hope of becoming an
independent, free democratic country. Then after that dash of hope failed, in
1954 America helped a million people fleeing the communist in North Vietnam.
From
1954 to early 1975, with the help of American, with the sacrifice of millions
American, South Vietnamese had 20 years of freedom. Millions of Vietnamese were
able to develop, to live their life as they wished. We also deeply grateful to
the 55 thousand soldiers who gave us their most precious gift, they sacrificed
their own life while defending our freedom. Then when Congress stopped all
financial and war material aid. South Vietnam, without the mean to defend for
itself collapsed. American people again came in to rescue them once more. Over
120 thousands were evacuated to the US, leaving behind their beloved country.
The
communist North then rules South Vietnam under their dictatorial regime.
Putting millions former civil and military officers in hard labor camps. Many
died of starvation, illness, and exhaustion, many other died in solitary
confinement, after terrible torturing. Family broken, Hope lost. There seem to
be no tomorrow. Again, America finds ways to negotiate for their release and brought
them to the US.
Million
others risked their life in tiny fishing boats, trying to escape. Many became
victims to storm, to pirates, or simply drowned when their boats broke into
pieces. It was estimated that 40% died
trying to flee. Thanks to President
Jimmy Carter, President Ronald Reagan, and many, many other Americans, the
survivors were brought to the US.
America
then continued to negotiate and brought many others here to reunite with their
love ones.
Not
only brought them to the US. America accepted them with love, with
understanding, with guidance, providing them the opportunities to rebuild their
life; and most generous of all, help them to become new friends, new neighbors,
new coworkers, new American.
Today,
millions of us who came from Vietnam are success, prosperous, happy new Americans;
many are making sizable contributions to their new country. This list is almost
as long as the list of all of us. A few examples are General Luong Xuan Viet,
deputy commander of the First Cavalry Division, US Army, of Captain Elizabeth
Pham one of the hero Pilot of the US Navy, Mr. Tran Truong the owner of the
Carter Hotel in New York City who donate $5 million dollar to the victim of
9/11; And many others in business, in the US Arm Force, in Federal, State and
local governments who defend the new country, who participate in all aspects of
this great society. Since 40 years ago,
when America asks, we response.
Today,
America continues to influent the communist government of Vietnam so the life
of the Vietnamese there can be better economically as well as politically. We
failed in the battle field; together, we will success fighting this new,
non-violent war.
Today,
we are American. We are who we are today because of the open arms, the open
hearts of you, our new America, our new country.
Thank
you America,
Thank
you America,
Thank
you America
Bùi Ngọc Tuấn
Minnesota
April 30th, 2015
