The U.S. government has instructed its senior diplomats in Vietnam to skip events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's end, marking an unexpected shift in diplomatic engagement.
U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper and other high-ranking diplomatic officials have been directed to avoid participating in anniversary activities scheduled for April 29-30 in Ho Chi Minh City, according to four U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The planned events include a hotel reception with Vietnamese government leaders on April 29 and a parade the following day. The directive also affects U.S. veterans returning to Vietnam, who have been informed they will not receive official support for their war-related discussions and anniversary gatherings.
This decision has sparked disappointment among veterans who have long been involved in reconciliation efforts. John Terzano, who served two tours in Vietnam and helped establish the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, expressed his confusion about the sudden change. "As a person who has dedicated his life to reconciliation and marveled at how it's grown over the last 20 years or so, this is really a missed opportunity," he said after arriving in Hanoi.
The timing of the directive is notable, as April 30 coincides with the 100th day of the current administration. Some U.S. officials suggest the decision might stem from concerns about drawing attention away from this milestone.
Ambassador Knapper, whose father served in Vietnam, had previously embraced his diplomatic role, regularly participating in ceremonies returning war artifacts to Vietnamese families and helping repatriate remains of missing Americans. In a recent Foreign Service Journal piece, he highlighted the importance of reconciliation between the two nations.
The decision represents an unexpected turn in U.S.-Vietnam relations, particularly as both countries continue to engage in trade negotiations and strategic partnerships in the region.