Remnants of the Past

In 2024, I traveled to Vietnam primarily for an SEO conference—a business trip by definition, but I made sure to carve out time for at least one cultural landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. My choice was the War Remnants Museum, a name that initially struck me as intriguing without revealing the profound experience that awaited.

I entered with no prior knowledge or expectations, completely unaware of what I was about to witness. What followed was one of the most impactful experiences of my Vietnamese journey, despite my limited exploration of the country beyond restaurants and conference venues.

The museum primarily documents the devastating effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam during the American-Vietnamese conflict of the 1960s and 70s. Prior to this visit, my only association with "Agent Orange" had been through a German metal band's song—a shallow connection that was immediately and permanently transformed.

Nothing about the actual Agent Orange chemical was "cool." The reality displayed in the museum was horrifying—a chemical that killed countless innocent civilians and left survivors with debilitating conditions. The extensive photographic evidence and accompanying commentary revealed the physical and mental suffering of those affected. Many victims, including children, were left with severe mutations and physical disabilities that prevented normal functioning.

Looking at these images, I couldn't help but think of my own children and feel overwhelming sadness that humans could inflict such suffering on one another. The term "war remnants" perfectly captures the essence of the museum—it stands as a stark reminder of war's lasting consequences and the innocent lives forever altered by political conflicts.

As visitors progress through the museum's rooms and hallways, the narrative eventually shifts to Vietnam's recovery efforts and the international aid that helped rebuild the country. Even the United States has worked to resolve some of the lingering issues. This progression suggests that while humans are capable of terrible destruction, we also possess the capacity to heal and rebuild.

The most powerful takeaway from my visit was a renewed perspective on our current lives. Living in an era of convenience and comfort, it's easy to forget the immense suffering experienced by previous generations. Though we all face hardships, most of us are spared the devastating toll of war that many civilians endured.

Yet wars continue to rage in various parts of the world today. This sobering thought raises the question: Why must we continue inflicting such destruction simply because of disagreements over policies and ideologies? As a species, we should aspire to something better—focusing not on self-interest but on collective wellbeing.

While it may sound idealistic, positive change begins with individual actions. If we each commit to personal improvement and making the most of what we have without causing others to suffer, perhaps we can gradually build a better world—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.