The University of Wyoming’s Vietnamese Scholars and Students Association will hold an academic-cultural event called “Writing on the Story of Peace” on April 29. The event, which is part of America250 recognizing the nation’s 250th anniversary, will take place from 4:15 to 8 p.m. at the Alice Hardie Stevens Center in Laramie.
The program aims to foster dialogue about war memory, representation, and paths toward peace and reconciliation. It is organized by the VSSA as a way for veterans, faculty members, students, and community participants to share perspectives.
Hoang Nguyen, president of VSSA and a master’s student in American studies, said: “The program will feature a screening of the Vietnamese film ‘The Scent of Burning Grass,’ followed by a panel discussion with faculty members, community participants and Vietnam veterans. The event aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on war memory, representation and pathways toward peace and reconciliation.”
Nguyen will open the event at 4:30 p.m., with the film screening starting at 4:45 p.m. The movie tells the story of North Vietnamese student volunteers who fought in Quang Tri Battlefield during the Vietnam War. After an intermission at 6:50 p.m., there will be a discussion panel featuring Vietnam War veterans John Harrison (corpsman) and Siguard Johnson (senior airframe specialist), along with UW faculty Thomas Seitz (associate professor of international studies) and Samantha Vandermeade (assistant professor of American cultural studies). Nguyen will also join as a panelist.
Additional video screenings include “Hello Vietnam,” “The 50th anniversary of national reunification (1975-2025),” and “From Vietnam to the U.S.: A Message of Friendship.” Registered attendees can enjoy Vietnamese refreshments and a buffet meal during the evening.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to register online.
