Viet Nam – US Bridging

Shared pain, shared stories

The event ran from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and brought together representatives from both countries, along with many families that have long searched for information about their lost loved ones. During two hours of emotional exchanges, participants from both sides shared personal stories about fathers, husbands, and relatives who never came home from war. For many, they have never known their father’s face. Their memory is preserved only through faded photographs, old letters, and a few heirlooms carried through the years of searching.

These stories were not told to reopen old wounds, but to build understanding between two peoples. Loss, grief, longing — these transcend nationality, politics, or history.

One participant, Ms. Kirsten Hammond, the daughter of an American service member who died in Vietnam, spoke with deep emotion. She told the gathering she never knew her father, and her younger brother was just six months old when their father passed away. “I’m very proud of my father,” she said. “I came here to try to fill that void, even if only a little. Standing here with all of you — people who understand this pain — I realize I am not alone.” Her words resonated deeply in the room.

Mrs. Kirstin Marie Hamman shares her story. (Photo: Đinh Hòa)

Pride in sacrifice, hope in remembrance

From the Vietnamese side, Mrs. Nguyễn Thanh Thủy also shared her story — her father was a martyr who gave his life for the country’s independence. She expressed sorrow over the loss, but also profound pride: “This reunion today is not just for grieving, it is for honoring. We understand your pain, because many of us have lost our fathers too. What divides us in memory, we now bridge in respect.”

Another Vietnamese delegate spoke of a 20-year search for her father’s remains. In 2009, she finally found his bones and was able to return him to his homeland. She described it as a journey of tears, perseverance, and ultimately, closure. She now devotes her retirement to supporting other martyr families still in search of their loved ones — more than 50,000 remain unidentified.

The children and relatives of Vietnamese martyrs participate in the Vietnamese & American sons and daughters meeting. (Photo: Đinh Hòa)

Healing wounds across generations

From the U.S. side, Ms. Jan Ellen Wieneke said that after she discovered her father’s remains, she joined support organizations to help Vietnamese families still seeking closure. Among the attendees was Mr. Bradley Ross Seltzer, a third-generation descendant of an American serviceman. He flew to Vietnam for the first time to learn more about his grandfather, and about the Vietnamese martyrs. “I’m grateful for the chance to open our hearts, and even more grateful that you opened yours to us,” he said.

Mrs. Wendy Dawn Zimmerman shares her story of losing her father to the war. (Photo: Đinh Hòa)

Beyond a meeting: A promise of solidarity

Although the formal session ended, many conversations continued over a shared lunch, with exchanges of contact information, photographs, and stories — signs that the bond formed today was only beginning.

"Vietnamese & American sons and daughters meeting" was more than a reunion, it was a step toward healing, a quiet tribute to the victims of war, and a hopeful gesture that remembrance can transcend boundaries. For many families still seeking truth, hope remains alive.