Congressman completes mission in Vietnam

During the trip, the congressman buried photos of his families and his father’s keepsakes in the place where his father, Captain Arthur T. Pfefer, and seven other U.S. servicemen are believed to have died when helicopter UH-1H crashed into Ham Rong Mountain on July 25, 1969.

He also placed sunflowers, symbolizing peace, sunshine, and prosperity, at the place. 

“Mission complete,” said Mr. Phillips, after one week traveling to various places in North Vietnam and fulfilling his wish to visit his father's death place in Pleiku. The congressman also said that when he returns to the U.S., he will tell his friends, neighbors, and American citizens about the beautiful country of Vietnam, peace-loving people, children with the most beautiful smile that he has ever seen in his whole life. 

Phillips’ father died when he was six months old, so he has never seen or heard his voice. Five years ago, during a house move, his mother accidentally found a box containing letters and tapes of his father. On one tape, his father sings: “We have to leave this place… for a better life for you and me.” His father also sent him a passionate kiss. It was the first time he had heard his father's voice.

Here are photos of the congressman’s activities in Vietnam.

Congressman Dean Phillips (left) arrived at Pleiku Airport on March 11. His father, U.S. Captain Arthur T. Pfefer, died along with seven other U.S. servicemen when helicopter UH-1H crashed into Ham Rong Mountain on the morning of July 25, 1969.

The delegation arriving at the foot of Ham Rong Mountain, more than 10km south of Pleiku city

Congressman Phillips impressed with pine trees on Ham Rong Mountain. They are reminiscent of the pine trees in his hometown in Minnesota, U.S.A.

Phillips’ trip is joined by Hollywood star Woody Harrelson, who has received many prestigious film awards. About eight years ago, Harrelson met Phillips while filming Wilson in Minnesota, and they became friends when Harrelson rented Phillips' house.

Before arriving in Gia Lai, Woody Harrelson, Dean Phillips and members of the delegation traveled to many Northern provinces of Vietnam. They cycled, played volleyball and sang karaoke with the locals.

On the way to Ham Rong Mountain, Mr. Phillips happy at meeting a local, who knows the location of the crashed plane through older people’s stories when he was a child

Mr. Phillips showing a photo of his father

Mr. Phillips talking about his father’s keepsakes

His father’s watch stopped at 8:41 am, the time of plane crash.

The congressman going through a coffee field to reach the location of the plane crash

Mr. Phillips said that this is the most significant moment in his life.

According to Mr. Phillips, most of the men on that crashed helicopter were childless.

The congressman said, “In Vietnamese culture, you have such a deep appreciation and respect for ancestors. So do I. I made it my life mission to learn as much as I could about not just him, but those with whom he served, those who he fought against and the country in which he died. I could feel it and smell it, experience through stories. We never forget."

Sunflowers are Mr. Phillips' favorite. He bought the flowers from a vender in Hanoi.

Sunflowers are placed at the location where is believed to be the plane crash site.

Actor Harrelson said that the selflessness, benevolence, and sweetness of the Vietnamese people left a deep impression on him.

Mr. Phillips holding photos of his family

He burying the photos with the hope that his father could see his family members. He believed that our two countries will show the world the meaning of the reconciliation, being friends again and saving lives, respecting differences in both systems of government, respecting each other.

Mr. Phillips bringing some soil back to the U.S.

Mr. Phillips and actor Harrelson plan to return to Vietnam one day.

Reported by Ngoc Hung

Translated by Tran Hoai