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HISTORICAL INNITIATIVES
Fall of Saigon
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The Fall of Saigon Initiative is dedicated to capturing the personal stories of veterans who took part in Operation Frequent Wind, the largest helicopter evacuation in history.
The Fall of Saigon Initiative is dedicated to capturing the personal stories of veterans who took part in Operation Frequent Wind, the largest helicopter evacuation in history. This operation marked the final chapter of the Vietnam War, a moment that was both heroic and heartbreaking. Many veterans who participated in the mission have carried untold stories, unresolved emotions, and deep reflections about their experiences. Through this initiative, we aim to honor their service, preserve their memories for future generations, and provide a path toward healing by offering them a meaningful journey back to Vietnam.
Why This Matters
The Fall of Saigon was a moment of extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and loss. Service members played a critical role in evacuating thousands of civilians, yet many were left with the emotional weight of those they couldn’t save, the overwhelming chaos of the mission, and the lasting scars of war. These experiences, often carried in silence, have shaped their lives for decades.
By revisiting this history, capturing firsthand accounts, and creating open spaces for conversation, we not only preserve the legacy of Operation Frequent Wind but also provide veterans with an opportunity for reflection, closure, and connection. This initiative allows them to process their experiences, connect with others who understand their journey, and pass down their stories so they are never forgotten.
Bridging Generations: Upcoming Roundtable Discussion Between Fall of Saigon and Fall of Kabul Veterans
The Fall of Saigon and the Fall of Kabul were two defining moments in U.S. military history, separated by nearly five decades but connected by shared experiences of sacrifice, chaos, and moral injury. To honor and learn from these events, Operation Allies Refuge Foundation is organizing a historic roundtable discussion, bringing together veterans from both evacuations.
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This discussion will create a powerful space for veterans of Operation Frequent Wind (1975) and Operation Allies Refuge (2021) to share their stories, compare experiences, and find solidarity in their struggles. Many Fall of Saigon veterans will describe the heartbreak of leaving behind allies, the desperation of the evacuation, and the emotional toll that followed. Fall of Kabul veterans will echo similar experiences, from the chaos at the airport to the moral injuries of making impossible choices under extreme conditions.
By connecting these two generations, the roundtable will foster understanding, mentorship, and healing. Saigon veterans, having carried the weight of their experience for decades, will offer perspective and guidance to Kabul veterans, who are still processing their emotions in the aftermath. The discussion will highlight how history has repeated itself in many ways, but also how these shared experiences can bring veterans together to support one another, advocate for those left behind, and push for better policies in the future.
​A Journey Toward Healing: Bringing Fall of Saigon and Fall of Kabul Veterans to Vietnam
As part of our mission to support veterans struggling with moral injury, Operation Allies Refuge Foundation is working toward a groundbreaking initiative: bringing both Fall of Saigon and Fall of Kabul veterans on a healing journey to Vietnam.
This trip will provide a unique opportunity for veterans of Operation Frequent Wind and Operation Allies Refuge to reflect, find closure, and heal together. By traveling to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), participants will walk the streets where history unfolded, meet with local communities, and experience firsthand how Vietnam has transformed since the war. This journey will offer a chance for veterans to process their experiences in a meaningful way, reconcile with the past, and build connections with those who share similar struggles.
For Fall of Kabul veterans, this trip will serve as a learning experience, showing how time, perspective, and connection can help heal the wounds of war. Fall of Saigon veterans, many of whom have carried their emotions for decades, will serve as mentors, offering insight and encouragement. Together, they will honor those left behind, celebrate the lives saved, and take steps toward restoring their sense of purpose and moral well-being.
This initiative is more than just a trip—it is a commitment to long-term healing. By bringing these two veteran communities together in a place of shared history, we hope to foster resilience, strengthen bonds, and prove that even in the aftermath of war, healing is possible.
To Support this Initiative Directly, Please Click the Link Button Below
Timeline of Events: Fall of Saigon
Paris Peace Accords 1973
The U.S. and North Vietnam sign a ceasefire agreement, leading to the withdrawal of American combat troops from Vietnam. Fighting continues between South Vietnam and North Vietnamese forces despite the agreement.
The Fall of Saigon remains one of the most significant events in modern history, symbolizing both the end of the Vietnam War and the human cost of conflict. The chaotic evacuation left lasting scars on veterans, refugees, and American foreign policy, similar to what would happen decades later in the Fall of Kabul.
