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My parents wedding day.

My parents wedding day.

On That Day

As Told By: Darlena Chiem

Journey

  • My Name is Darlena Chiem
  • I am based in Brooklyn, NY, USA
  • This story is about my parent(s)

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  • Childhood Address: Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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  • Camp 1: Pulau Bidong (Malaysia)

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  • Resettlement Location: San Francisco, CA, USA

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    My Story

    For my parents, who are a part of the Vietnamese Boat People, this date marks a seismic shift in their homeland and lives that ripples throughout our family even now.⁣ ⁣ On the 45th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, I spoke with them on the phone to ask what it meant to them, and to connect. ⁣ ⁣ I shot this footage on a whim last summer when I visited home in California. There was something peaceful about that day in my parents’ house. Warm. Hopeful. ⁣ ⁣

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