15 Surprising Reasons The USA Is Still Obsessed With Vietnam - History Collection

4. POW/MIA Commitment

The United States remains deeply committed to accounting for all service members listed as Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA). The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) leads this mission, conducting global search, recovery, and laboratory operations to identify and repatriate remains from past conflicts. Their efforts are supported by annual commemorations and government initiatives, reflecting a national dedication to honoring those who served. For more information, visit the DPAA’s official website. (dpaa.mil)

5. Growth of Vietnamese-American Communities

Vietnamese-American communities have significantly expanded, particularly in California and Texas, where they contribute richly to local culture, economy, and politics. As of 2022, over 2 million Vietnamese Americans reside in the U.S., making them the fourth-largest Asian American ethnic group. California hosts the largest share, with 35% of Vietnamese Americans, and 16% living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. (pewresearch.org) In Texas, Houston’s Vietnamese community is substantial, with over 150,000 residents. (en.wikipedia.org) These communities serve as vital links between the U.S. and Vietnam, fostering cultural exchange and economic ties.

6. Shifting Geopolitics in Asia

As global attention shifts to the Indo-Pacific, Vietnam’s strategic location makes it crucial to American foreign policy. The U.S. and Vietnam have been fostering increasing cooperation to counterbalance China’s influence. In 2023, during President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam, the two nations upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting a significant deepening of ties. This partnership encompasses various areas, including trade, security, and regional stability, underscoring Vietnam’s growing importance in the U.S. strategy to maintain balance in the region (eastasiaforum.org).

7. The Power of Protest Movements

The anti-war protests during the Vietnam War era continue to resonate, influencing civil rights, environmental, and anti-war activism today. The era’s imagery and slogans remain powerful tools for modern social movements. For instance, the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago saw thousands of protesters clashing with police, highlighting the deep divisions over the war. (history.com) Similarly, the 1970 Kent State shootings, where National Guardsmen killed four students during a protest, galvanized further opposition to the war. These events underscore the enduring impact of Vietnam-era activism on contemporary social movements (history.com).

8. Veteran Experiences and Stories

Veterans continue sharing their stories through books, documentaries, and organizations, highlighting personal struggles and achievements. Their perspectives provide insight into the human cost of war. For instance, the PBS documentary “Vietnam War Stories” features veterans reflecting on their experiences 26 years after the end of the war, discussing how those experiences shaped who they are today. Similarly, “Vietnam Survivor Stories” presents veterans recounting poignant memories of their time overseas and how Vietnam affected them as individuals. These narratives offer valuable insights into the complexities of war and its lasting impact on those who served (pbs.org).

9. Lessons for Modern Warfare

Military leaders and analysts draw lessons from the Vietnam War on guerrilla warfare, strategy, and troop morale, which inform current military doctrines and approaches in conflicts abroad. The RAND Corporation has extensively studied these aspects, emphasizing the importance of adapting training programs and resources based on experience and applying lessons learned to current and future operations (rand.org). This approach ensures that military forces are prepared for diverse combat scenarios, enhancing their effectiveness in modern conflicts.

10. Tourist Fascination with Vietnam

U.S. visitors travel to Vietnam to explore its rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural connections. War sites and museums, such as the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, draw historians and tourists intrigued by shared pasts. The museum attracts approximately 500,000 visitors annually, with about two-thirds being foreigners. Other notable sites include the Cu Chi Tunnels and the former Khe Sanh Combat Base, which offer insights into the wartime experiences and resilience of the Vietnamese people (apnews.com).

11. The Healing Power of Reconciliation

Stories of former enemies reconciling, joint missions to recover remains, and diplomatic normalization inspire discussions of forgiveness and national healing. The Vietnam Friendship Village Project, initiated in 1988 by U.S. veteran George Mizo, serves as a testament to this healing process. Established as a residential facility, it provides education, health, and rehabilitation services to children and adults affected by Agent Orange. The village also offers support to Vietnamese veterans, fostering reconciliation between the U.S. and Vietnam. In 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Vietnam showcased rare archival materials, including President Bill Clinton’s 1995 declaration to normalize relations, highlighting the enduring commitment to reconciliation (news.tuoitre.vn). These initiatives underscore the profound impact of reconciliation efforts in healing the wounds of the past and building a foundation for a long-term partnership between the two nations.

12. Ongoing Environmental Impact

Agent Orange and other chemicals used during the Vietnam War continue to affect land and people. The U.S. military sprayed over 20 million gallons of herbicides, including dioxin-contaminated Agent Orange, across Vietnam’s rainforests, wetlands, and croplands. This led to deforestation, soil contamination, and disruptions in the food chain. Decades later, dioxin persists in the environment, entering the food supply and affecting human health (sciencedaily.com). American organizations have been involved in recovery efforts, such as the cleanup of dioxin hotspots at former U.S. military bases like Bien Hoa Air Base. These initiatives aim to reduce environmental contamination and support the health of affected communities (time.com). Additionally, the Vietnam Friendship Village, founded by U.S. veteran George Mizo, provides services to individuals affected by Agent Orange, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and healing. These efforts highlight the importance of environmental justice and remediation in addressing the long-term impacts of Agent Orange.

13. Influence on American Literature

The Vietnam War has profoundly influenced American literature, inspiring a diverse array of works that explore its complexities and aftermath. Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” (1990) is a seminal collection of linked short stories that delves into the experiences of soldiers during the war. This work has been widely acclaimed and is often included in educational curricula. Other notable works include Graham Greene’s “The Quiet American” (1955), which critiques U.S. foreign policy in Vietnam, and Frances FitzGerald’s “Fire in the Lake” (1972), offering an in-depth analysis of Vietnamese culture and the American involvement (en.wikipedia.org). These narratives provide multifaceted perspectives on the war, contributing to ongoing discussions about its impact and legacy.

14. Fashion and Iconography

Military surplus, aviator sunglasses, and ‘peace’ emblems rooted in the Vietnam era remain style icons, symbolizing rebellion, nostalgia, or patriotism in American fashion. The army jacket, for instance, evolved from a military garment to a fashion staple, embraced by subcultures opposing the institution during the Vietnam era. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent introduced styles inspired by military uniforms, reflecting this trend (vogue.com). Aviator sunglasses, originally designed for military pilots, gained popularity among civilians during the Vietnam War, becoming a symbol of coolness and rebellion. Similarly, ‘peace’ emblems, often associated with anti-war protests, have been incorporated into fashion, representing a commitment to peace and social justice. These elements continue to influence contemporary fashion, reflecting the enduring impact of the Vietnam era on American style.

15. Enduring Political Debates

The ‘Vietnam Syndrome’ continues to influence American foreign policy, particularly in debates over foreign interventions and military engagements. This term refers to the reluctance to commit U.S. military forces abroad without clear objectives and public support, stemming from the Vietnam War’s aftermath. For instance, during President Obama’s second term, the Vietnam Syndrome was evident in cautious approaches to conflicts in Libya and Syria (brookings.edu). This cautious stance reflects a broader wariness of military entanglements, aiming to avoid the perceived mistakes of the past. The Vietnam War’s legacy serves as a touchstone in discussions about the use of force, emphasizing the need for clear objectives and public backing in military interventions.

Conclusion

The intricate ties between the United States and Vietnam have been profoundly shaped by a shared history, evolving diplomatic relations, and mutual economic interests. The 2023 elevation of their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic level underscores a commitment to collaboration across various sectors (en.wikipedia.org). Reflecting on past lessons and embracing opportunities for further cooperation can pave the way for a more robust and harmonious future between the two nations.