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KC honor soldiers, civilians, marking 50th anniversary of Vietnam War’s end

Ho Huynh, 77, of Overland Park, held the rifle steady as he prepared for “Remembering Saigon,” a commemorative event held Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Don Bosco Community Center in Kansas City. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the resulting mass exodus of South Vietnamese individuals, many of whom, including Huynh, settled in Kansas City. Huynh, who was a member of the South Vietnamese Army, was held for seven years in a “re-education” camp.
Ho Huynh, 77, of Overland Park, held the rifle steady as he prepared for “Remembering Saigon,” a commemorative event held Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Don Bosco Community Center in Kansas City. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the resulting mass exodus of South Vietnamese individuals, many of whom, including Huynh, settled in Kansas City. Huynh, who was a member of the South Vietnamese Army, was held for seven years in a “re-education” camp. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War. Kansas Citians gathered Sunday at the Don Bosco Community Center for a local commemoration for the soldiers and civilians who survived and those who lost their lives during the war.

The event was hosted by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and local nonprofit Hella Good Deeds. The end of the Vietnam War resulted in a mass exodus of South Vietnamese people seeking safety from the new communist government of North Vietnam, who captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. Many refugees ended up in the Kansas City area.

It was one of several events throughout May marking Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month.

A Battlefield Cross, a symbolic memorial used by military personnel to honor fallen comrades displayed flags of the United States and of South Vietnam during “Remembering Saigon.”
A Battlefield Cross, a symbolic memorial used by military personnel to honor fallen comrades displayed flags of the United States and of South Vietnam during “Remembering Saigon.” Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Members of the Vietnamese community sang “Viet Nam Viet Nam” during “Remembering Saigon,” a remembrance event marking of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Members of the Vietnamese community sang “Viet Nam Viet Nam” during “Remembering Saigon,” a remembrance event marking of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The hat of Ty Bui, 77, of Overland Park, rests on a chair during “Remembering Saigon’” The event marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the resulting mass exodus of South Vietnamese individuals, many of whom, including Bui, who found a new home in Kansas City. Sponsorship for the remembrance was provided by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and Hella Good Deeds. Bui, Chairman of the Vietnamese Officers Club, was a former captain in the South Vietnamese Navy.
The hat of Ty Bui, 77, of Overland Park, rests on a chair during “Remembering Saigon’” The event marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the resulting mass exodus of South Vietnamese individuals, many of whom, including Bui, who found a new home in Kansas City. Sponsorship for the remembrance was provided by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and Hella Good Deeds. Bui, Chairman of the Vietnamese Officers Club, was a former captain in the South Vietnamese Navy. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Ty Bui, 77, center, of Overland Park, a former Navy Captain for the South Vietnamese, carries meal boxes for family members during a reception.
Ty Bui, 77, center, of Overland Park, a former Navy Captain for the South Vietnamese, carries meal boxes for family members during a reception. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Tina Lê embraces her granddaughter, Mia Lê Shackelford, 3, during “Remembering Saigon.” Many of the people in attendance fled South Vietnam, including Lê.
Tina Lê embraces her granddaughter, Mia Lê Shackelford, 3, during “Remembering Saigon.” Many of the people in attendance fled South Vietnam, including Lê. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A U.S. veteran, left, shared the stage with veterans from South Vietnam for recognition. Sponsorship for the remembrance was provided by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and Hella Good Deeds.
A U.S. veteran, left, shared the stage with veterans from South Vietnam for recognition. Sponsorship for the remembrance was provided by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and Hella Good Deeds. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Members of the Vietnamese community were on hand.
Members of the Vietnamese community were on hand. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Béty Lê Shackelford, a first generation Vietnamese American, paid tribute to her mother Tina Le.’ Many of the people in attendance fled South Vietnam, including Le’.
Béty Lê Shackelford, a first generation Vietnamese American, paid tribute to her mother Tina Le.’ Many of the people in attendance fled South Vietnam, including Le’. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Lauri Pham smooths a wrinkle from a flag of South Vietnam.
Lauri Pham smooths a wrinkle from a flag of South Vietnam. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
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Tammy Ljungblad
The Kansas City Star
Tammy Ljungblad is a former journalist for the Kansas City Star, The Star, KC Star.
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