A Walk to Remember the War

For two years during the Vietnam War, Minh Bo was a nurse’s aide at the U.S. Naval Hospital near Da Nang.

Sunday, some 30 years later, Bo was one of about 300 participants in a two-mile walk through Westminster to raise funds for a memorial honoring the Vietnamese and Americans who died in the war.

Carrying two small flags, one American and one from the Republic of Vietnam, Bo, 51, beamed as she walked.

“During the war, I took care of those that were alive,” said Bo, of Lawndale. “[Today], I walk for the ones that died.”

The memorial, designed by artist Tuan Nguyen, will feature 10-foot figures of American and South Vietnamese soldiers on a 5-foot platform. The memorial was first envisioned by Westminster Mayor Frank Fry, a World War II veteran who said he was disappointed Vietnam veterans did not receive similar accolades and support upon their return.

Although a site for the tribute has yet to be determined, Fry, who heads a private fund-raising committee, said he plans for a July unveiling. The memorial is expected to cost $500,000.

During Sunday’s walk through the streets around City Hall, Linh Nguyen, 51, spoke of the significance of a memorial honoring the 500,000 Vietnamese and 58,000 American soldiers who died in the war.

“It’s important to remember that we [South Vietnamese and Americans] fought together,” said Nguyen, of Anaheim, who served in the South Vietnamese Navy from 1968 to 1975. “Deep inside, everyone would like to have a place to pay homage.”

Sue Tien, 60, and her husband rode a bus from Long Beach to participate in the 10 a.m. walk. Her husband Trac Tien, 65, was held prisoner by the North Vietnamese for eight years, she said.

“It is important to honor the people that gave their lives for freedom,” Tien said.

During the walk’s opening ceremonies at City Hall, Thang Tran, president of the South Vietnamese Community in Southern California, said Sunday was one of the happiest days of his life.

“It is our obligation, duty and responsibility to build this memorial,” said Tran, who was dressed in military attire. “The walkathon is just the beginning.”

State Sen. Joe Dunn (D-Garden Grove), who gave a brief speech, said the planned memorial reminds people that others have given the “ultimate sacrifice for peace, freedom and democracy.”

After the walk, Fry declared the event a “big success,” although the amount of money raised was not yet known. He said he is hoping to attract corporate sponsors to a $100-a-plate dinner in March.