Listen: Hmong "Boat People" thank Minnesota VP Walter Mondale for saving them from Vietnamese communists 30 years ago
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On the 30th anniversary in the United States' post-Vietnam War experience, MPR’s Dan Olson takes a look back. 1979 was the year that the U.S. - led by Vice President Walter Mondale - convinced world leaders to come to the rescue of more than a million so-called "boat people." Thousands who risked the dangers of the South China Sea rather than face life under communism eventually settled in Minnesota. Two of those individuals, Connie Tran and Hung Phung, are interviewed by Olson.

Funders

In 2008, Minnesota's voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution: to protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.

Efforts to digitize this initial assortment of thousands of historical audio material was made possible through the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. A wide range of Minnesota subject matter is represented within this collection.

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