In a remarkable journey spanning nearly half a century, a group of 30 former orphans from Vietnam are set to return to their homeland this June.
These individuals, now adults aged over 65, once faced the harsh realities of war-torn Vietnam as young children.
In April 1975, amidst the collapse of the South Vietnamese military and the turmoil leading up to the fall of Saigon, these orphans embarked on a perilous journey towards safety.
Recalling the harrowing days of their escape, Thomas Ho, the eldest of the group, shared memories that are etched in his mind.
Their story began in Cam Ranh, where the orphans, hoping to flee the imminent chaos, left their orphanage by bus.
Ho recollects, “We had two buses, and mine got caught in the middle of the fire, so we had to turn back and seek a safe place.”
After spending a night in a church, the group finally boarded a boat, managing to protect the younger children by placing them in the bottom while the older ones kept watch on deck.
Upon reaching Saigon, they stayed at a Baptist church center for a week, a temporary haven before their next endeavor.
From there, the group traveled by bus to Rach Gia, where they acquired a leaky boat, the only means of escape they had.
After weeks of repairs on the faulty engine, they set sail on April 29, 1975—just before Saigon fell.
As they navigated the open sea, they encountered perilous leaks, engine failures, and the discomfort of seasickness, all while clinging to the hope of reaching safety.
Miraculously, their plight caught the attention of a Taiwanese freighter, which eventually towed them toward Singapore, where they were then transferred to a fishing boat that would take them to safety.
Though Ho no longer remembers the exact contents of a message he wrote inside a glass bottle during that turbulent time, he does recall that shortly afterward, their situation began to improve.
With the assistance of Baptist missionaries, the orphans were able to board a Boeing 747 and fly to the United States, arriving at Buckner Children’s Home in Dallas on June 12, 1975.
At the time, Ho, who was 20 years old, found solace in the tranquility of the orphanage, remembering, “All I remember from being at the orphanage is peace—no bombs, no guns, no loud sounds, just peace.”
The children at the orphanage learned English from high school student volunteers and experienced new tastes, such as oatmeal, which Ho recalls as a peculiar yet enjoyable meal.
Now, after years of supporting children’s charities during his annual returns to Vietnam, Ho has organized a special group trip for the 50th anniversary of their arrival in the United States.
This journey holds great significance for him and the other former orphans, many of whom are returning for the first time since they left as children.
The itinerary will include visits to Saigon and Cam Ranh, providing the opportunity to reconnect with their roots and observe the changes in their homeland.
Ho expresses his hopes for the trip, stating, “I want those who join this trip to see all the work we have been doing and to inspire them to join us in our charity efforts.”
Despite being scattered across the United States, the former orphans maintain contact through social media, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Reflecting on their journey, Ho is determined to share their story, saying, “We want people to know how we came to the United States, and that it was by God’s hand that we survived.
We are grateful for the opportunities we have, and we want to give back to the children who are still in need.”
This upcoming trip serves not only as a reunion but also as a testament to their resilience and commitment to helping others who may still be in difficult situations.
As they prepare to embark on this transformative journey back to Vietnam, the former orphans carry with them the indelible marks of their past, along with a renewed sense of purpose for the future.
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