Most have not returned to their native land. Others were born in the United States, and their only connection to the Vietnam War comes through the pages of history textbooks. More and more have adopted English first names. Some have forgotten their mother tongue, while others slide in and out of English and Vietnamese with ease. Despite assimilation into mainstream America, these youths insist on sharing their parents' passions and dreams for a better Vietnam.
People think of revolution as a bloodbath.
In this era approaching the 21st century, it is not the time to talk about battle. We seek peaceful change, and that's the message we want to send Hanoi. The youths have earned high marks from their elders in recent days. The event attracted more than 15,000 people, making it the largest political gathering ever in Little Saigon. Young adults up north took notice.