Left Behind in Saigon - April 30, 1975

About this episode

This episode recounts the experiences of South Vietnamese left behind during the fall of Saigon and reflects on the implications of unfulfilled promises by nations.

On April 30, 1975, ten thousand South Vietnamese waited at the gates of the American Embassy in Saigon as the last helicopters lifted off the roof. Most accounts of this day tell the story of American defeat. This episode tells the story of the people who weren't given the option to leave and asks what it means when a nation can't honor the promises it made. The answer echoes from Saigon to Kabul and beyond.

People in this episode

Host: Richard G Backus

Topics covered

• Vietnam War
• American history
• evacuation
• promises
• refugees
• military history

Keywords

• Saigon
• April 30, 1975
• Vietnam War
• American Embassy
• evacuation
• refugees
• military history

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Saigon, Kabul

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