Admittedly, this may be an “American specific” post.

The Vietnam War Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Saigon. I’d heard from friends that its pretty traumatic, but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a museum so emotionally draining in all my life.

An American Warplane in Saigon.

Back in the U.S., the Vietnam War, is openly admitted as being one of America’s big “Whoopsies” wars. There is no glory in the States when it comes to this war, and when its talked about today, there always seems to be a negative light shined on it. On the other hands there is a huge appreciation for the vets that fought in it. In general, I’m a bit of a pacifist. I went through my hippie stage in young adulthood, I mean crap, I went to Humboldt State for christ’s sake.

Going to the museum brought on the most guilt I have ever felt in my life when it comes to the politics of my country. For the most part, I get aggressive about current events that I feel passionate about, but I want my country to do well, and do the right thing. I know the war is forty years past and it seems like for the most part the people here in Vietnam are not hostile towards America, but despite that, I still feel guilty.

The museum is predominantly photographs, but some of the best photos I’ve ever seen. It ranges to pre-war relations with France, how the war started and ended, and the post-war effects of chemical warfare. The worst part of everything though, was definitely seeing all the children born with birth defects because of the chemical warfare. There are tons of stories about the children of Vietnamese soldiers who were born with multiple physical ailments.

If you can ever go check out the museum, I suggest you do. Its one of the most interesting things to go see another perspective of American history. Our history books can only show us one side of the story…