As the U.S. reflects on the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, veterans highlight the ongoing repercussions of the Vietnam War. While the conflict officially ended with significant losses, including 58,220 American lives and $140 billion spent, its legacy lingers in American culture and politics. Veterans recall harrowing memories of evacuation, including scenes of desperate crowds and personal reflections of loss. They express concern that crucial lessons from this historical moment remain unlearned, emphasizing the enduring relevance of their experiences to contemporary issues.
A scratchy prerecorded message crackled over American Armed Forces radio in Saigon 50 years ago, repeating that the temperature was 105 degrees and rising.
Today, as the United States marks a half-century since that chaotic day in April 1975, veterans say the war continues to reverberate through American culture and politics.
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