Veterans of diverse nationalities, particularly American and South Vietnamese soldiers, gathered under one roof to honor the lives lost in the Vietnam War. For many of them, this was not only a day to reflect on the past, but also a rare opportunity to be recognized for their sacrifices—some for the first time in decades.
By Ashleigh Ewald – Georgia Asia Times
Memorial Day is not counted as a celebration, but rather a moment of remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices our soldiers made so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today. The First Senior Center of Georgia, founded by Von Tran—who also serves as its current CEO—has long served as a gathering place for veterans across the state. This year, it became a sacred space for remembrance, healing, and unity as it hosted a Memorial Day ceremony unlike any other.
Veterans of diverse nationalities, particularly American and South Vietnamese soldiers, gathered under one roof to honor the lives lost in the Vietnam War. For many of them, this was not only a day to reflect on the past, but also a rare opportunity to be recognized for their sacrifices—some for the first time in decades.
Von Tran opened the event with a heartfelt message about duty, faith, and remembrance. She emphasized the moral responsibility to honor those who gave everything in the name of freedom:
“We need to remember the sacrifices of those who served. Their contributions cannot be in vain. When they returned, they were not treated well. But we are here today because of them and because they sacrificed their lives so that we could live freely. This event, and the wheelchair donation, are the least we can do. We are grateful. God would not want us to be unappreciative of such a sacrifice,” she said.
Her words resonated throughout the center as people from all walks of life applauded and observed the lined-up wheelchairs, shower chairs, and other symbolic gestures—powerful reminders that these veterans are not forgotten.
Chairman Emeritus John Butler, a U.S. veteran and longtime advocate for service members, reflected on the emotional complexities of returning from war and the unspoken bond shared with South Vietnamese allies.
“I was prepared to go to war, but not prepared for the welcome home. We served, we risked our lives together. I didn’t speak about it for years—not out of shame—but because it was too heavy. Memorial Day reminds us of the millions who sacrificed for our freedom, and too often, we forget what it really took to get here,” he emphasized.
Butler also drew attention to the profound patriotism of South Vietnamese veterans, many of whom, like himself, risked everything for the cause of liberty. Speaker after speaker echoed the shared sentiment expressed by both Chairman Butler and CEO Tran:
“The South Vietnamese understand freedom on a level that many Americans take for granted,” said Chairman Butler.
One of those voices was Be Ta, a senior at the First Senior Center and a former South Vietnamese soldier, who delivered a stirring tribute to the American allies who stood beside him in war. After leading the room in the National Anthem, Ta spoke with deep gratitude and awe. His words inspired the center to embrace the moment with a renewed sense of appreciation for those who sacrificed and served.
In his remarks, Ta highlighted the event’s purpose:
“Today we gather to honor the 58,000 Americans who lost their lives fighting to free South Vietnam. I never imagined finding a place like this, where I would be welcomed and treated like an American veteran. This event reminds me that we are part of the American story. It means everything.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, a conflict that claimed lives, tested loyalties, and forged lifelong bonds between soldiers of different flags but a shared cause. At the First Senior Center of Georgia, that bond was visible in every salute, every tear, and every hand placed over a heart during the anthem.
Following the speeches and presentation of commemorative pins to veterans, the event continued with musical performances and dancing by participants.
As Tran reflected:
“If we, who benefit from their sacrifices, cannot appreciate those who gave everything for us, then we’ve lost our humanity. We must remember. We must do right by them.”
On this Memorial Day weekend, the First Senior Center of Georgia ensured that the promise was not only remembered—but fulfilled.
