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It is very hard to not associate the
country of Vietnam with the Second World War. Like so many other
countries in Asia who have been colonized and affected by the troubled
times of war, the memories of the tragic and bloody events which
occurred then have continually been reminded to the succeeding
generations. The intent? To educate and pay respect to all those who
have perished for their cause, whatever side they may have been part of.
In some cases, there were events that call for more than just memories.
For some, these memories evoke images either of great sadness or great
regret. There are also people who would probably prefer not to remember
at all.
 The
village of My Lai in the Son My district of Vietnam is just one of such
places. In March of 1968, the village of My Lai was almost completely
wiped out by American soldiers who were told that all the villagers were
members of the Viet Cong. Details of what exactly happened and what
instructions were given the soldiers remain sketchy to this day.
One fact however remains that on that day, the American soldiers gunned
down un-armed people in cold blood, old women and men, children and
babies. Most of the villagers, even though clearly unable to fit or even
to collaborate with guerrillas, were murdered. Thanks to the arrival of
an American helicopter carrying a different platoon, they were able to
save the few remaining Vietnamese villagers from the carnage.
At present, efforts have been made to try and re-create the village
exactly as it looked like before the American soldiers came. Old,
shell-proof bunkers are being constructed as they were in olden times.
Guides taking tourists around describe in detail the horrific facts of
what happened that fateful day. Most of the guides also share personal
stories of family members who were killed or have managed to survive
albeit mentally and emotionally scarred for life.
At present, around 12,000 foreigners a year visit My Lai, along with
50,000 Vietnamese tourists who go on pilgrimage to the tragic village.
What happened here will never be forgotten.
Water wells where the murdered villagers were thrown into remain unused.
Burial places are marked in the green rice fields surrounding My Lai.
 There
is a museum here, with photos depicting the series of events on this
horrific day. The atrocities occurred over different sites within a two
or three square kilometer area.
Walking among the fields, visitors may occasionally come across a
memorial plaque indicating the number of people that died on that spot.
Lieutenant Calley, the leader of the platoon that attacked My Lai, was
later court martialled and sentenced to life in prison, but only served
three of those years.
Following the US Supreme Court’s refusal to hear his case, Calley was
granted parole by then US President Richard Nixon.
The people of My Lai have not laid the past aside, and they do not want
ever to see serving American soldiers here again, they say.
But all other Americans are welcome, as is everyone else who comes in
peace. And if they bring their golf clubs for a round of golf at the
nearby golf course, that's fine too.
My Lai is about 15 km North of Quang Ngai and could be a day trip there
while staying in Danang or Hoian.
Visit beautiful Vietnam today! |
