Despite improving relations, U.S. will be absent from Vietnam’s war anniversary parade
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam — U.S. officials are not attending the main public event commemorating the end of the Vietnam war in Ho Chi Minh City this week, according to a guest list released by the organizers and seen by NPR.
Top of the list, announced at the final rehearsal for the April 30 military parade, are Vietnam’s biggest friends — Laos, Cambodia, Cuba and China.
On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese troops stormed the Independence Palace in central Saigon — now known as Ho Chi Minh City — ending the almost 20-year war that caused great losses to both North and South Vietnam, as well as the South’s ally the United States.
The day is now celebrated in Vietnam as Reunification Day.
Last week, The New York Times reported that the Trump administration had told its senior diplomats in Vietnam not to take part in events related to the anniversary including a reception on April 29 and the military parade the next day.
While not confirming the report, a State Department spokesperson told NPR that the United States and Vietnam “have a robust bilateral relationship and we are committed to deepening and broadening those ties.”
From adversaries to partners
For its part, Vietnam’s foreign ministry said that Hanoi and Washington have now formed “a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.”
The comprehensive strategic partnership is the highest level of bilateral relations between Vietnam and any other country.
The ministry also said that foreign guests from more than 20 countries and organizations, including the U.S., will participate in the celebration this year.
Apparent snub
Several U.S. veterans and former war correspondents have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City ahead of the anniversary.
Yet the apparent snub by U.S. government officials led to some disappointment among the Vietnamese. 74-year-old war veteran Phung Xuan Hai told NPR that each country “has its own thinking.”
“Even if they’re our comprehensive strategic partners, they have a different nature,” Hai said, adding: “However, it shouldn’t, and doesn’t, affect our joyful occasion.”
Event organizers said that more than 13,000 people, including the army, the police and civilians, are taking part in the main parade. There will be a fly-over by the Vietnamese air force, fireworks and a drone show.
Laos, Cambodia and China have also sent soldiers to join the parade that attracts widespread attention from the public.
Local residents, as well as people from other cities and provinces, have been gathering in central Ho Chi Minh City to watch parade rehearsals amid tightened security.
The city’s war museum has seen a surge in visitors, both domestic and international.
How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country
In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
No more Elmo? APT could cut ties with PBS
The board that oversees Alabama Public Television is considering disaffiliating from PBS, ending a 55-year relationship.
Nonprofit erases millions in medical debt across Gulf South, says it’s ‘Band-Aid’ for real issue
Undue Medical Debt has paid off more than $299 million in medical debts in Alabama. Now, the nonprofit warns that the issue could soon get worse.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- "The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir." He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.
