We made a trip to Hoa Lo Prison, more popularly known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton." This is where many U.S. pilots were held during the Vietnam War, including John McCain.
The War Remnants Museum in Saigon offers a much broader perspective on the war overall. This small museum at Hoa Lo is more notable for its laughable propaganda. An introductory video shows American GIs playing ping pong while explaining that they called the prison the "Hanoi Hilton" because the conditions were so good. Yes, it kind of misses the irony. A different videotape shows the American GIs getting souvenirs from their captors upon release, describing the soldiers as "lucky" and "deeply appreciative" for their stay. I suspect John McCain, who was tortured here during his five years in captivity, feels differently.
A display notes that all American prisoners were free to pass the time reading thoughts from Uncle Ho.
If there is a positive side to this awful place, it's that John McCain returned here in 2000, which is a remarkable turn of events in just 25 years. I am amazed every day in Vietnam by how resilient the country is and by the seeming lack of ill will towards Americans.
The War Remnants Museum in Saigon offers a much broader perspective on the war overall. This small museum at Hoa Lo is more notable for its laughable propaganda. An introductory video shows American GIs playing ping pong while explaining that they called the prison the "Hanoi Hilton" because the conditions were so good. Yes, it kind of misses the irony. A different videotape shows the American GIs getting souvenirs from their captors upon release, describing the soldiers as "lucky" and "deeply appreciative" for their stay. I suspect John McCain, who was tortured here during his five years in captivity, feels differently.
A display notes that all American prisoners were free to pass the time reading thoughts from Uncle Ho.
If there is a positive side to this awful place, it's that John McCain returned here in 2000, which is a remarkable turn of events in just 25 years. I am amazed every day in Vietnam by how resilient the country is and by the seeming lack of ill will towards Americans.
that time period is so complex...
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