The forum, entitled “Since the Fall: Legacies of Vietnam War from Vietnamese Perspective,” will explore, through personal stories and observations, the ways the Vietnamese live with the aftermath of the Vietnam War -- in Vietnam, in America and throughout the world.  It has been said that the Vietnam Era ended with US troop withdrawal and the fall of Saigon.  However, it may just as well be said that we are still in the Vietnam Era, as our collective “Vietnam Experience” continues.  The forum is registered as a Continuing Education Provider to New Jersey educators. Pre-registration is required.

The keynote speaker is Quang X. Pham.  Pham arrived in the US from Vietnam in 1975, shortly after the fall of Saigon.  After graduating from UCLA with a BA in Economics, Pham was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Marine Corps (via Officer Candidates School).  He completed pilot training and became the first Marine aviator of Vietnamese heritage.  Subsequently, he flew helicopter missions in the Persian Gulf War and Somalia.  He was also aide-de-camp to a two-star general and recipient of the Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association’s “Award for Professionalism.” 

 Often in demand as a speaker, Pham has spoken at many companies, universities and forums. He talks about duty, freedom, entrepreneurship, leadership and perseverance. He has appeared on CNN, C-SPAN, NPR, and has published commentaries in the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register. He is also completing a memoir detailing his journey in America and his father’s 13 years in North Vietnamese reeducation camps.

Pre-registration is required.  For more information, or to register for the forum, call (732) 335-0033.  The Memorial and Educational Center are maintained through a partnership between New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  The Memorial and Educational Center are located off exit 116 of the Garden State Parkway.  The Educational Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The Memorial is open 24 hours, 7 days.