Who: Don Blackburn, Nissa Rhee, NVAM staff, volunteers and you! This event is free, open to the public and family friendly.
Biographies
Don Blackburn was drafted into the US Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. A former high school and college teacher, he is an accomplished writer and has published two books of poetry and essays: “All You Have Given: Meditations on War, Peace and Reconciliation” and “Into the Heart.” Don now lives in Nha Trang, Viet Nam.
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Nissa Rhee is the author of a forthcoming book about the American veterans living and working in Vietnam today. Her work has appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, on NPR, and in the Korean partner of the International New York Times. In 2011 Nissa was named a Rotary Peace Fellow for her reporting on conflict issues in the United States and South Korea.
What: A book reading and talk on the return of American veterans to Vietnam. In the first half of the session, Nissa Rhee will introduce you to some of the veterans who have made Vietnam their home. These men are addressing the legacies of the war by removing unexploded bombs from old battlefields, raising money for victims of Agent Orange, and promoting reconciliation between Americans and Vietnamese as teachers and tour guides.
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In the second half of the session, writer Don Blackburn will share some of his experiences as a Vietnam War veteran living in “enemy” territory. Don will also read a selection of poems and essays from his two books.
This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
Why: Forty years after the end of the Vietnam War, several hundred American veterans are living in Vietnam alongside their former enemies. Come find out who these men are and what they are doing in Vietnam.
RSVP: To ensure a spot, please RSVP by calling 312-326-0270 or email info@nvam.org.
For more information: http://www.nvam.org/back-to-the-battlefields-readings-on-the-return-of-veterans-to-vietnam/
