Vietnamese American veterans reflect on "Black April" 50 years on
For the Vietnamese community, April 30 is known as Black April, or Tháng Tư Đen. It's a day to lament and reflect on the fall of Saigon and of South Vietnam.
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For the Vietnamese community, April 30 is known as Black April, or Tháng Tư Đen. It's a day to lament and reflect on the fall of Saigon and of South Vietnam.
In 1969, WCCO reporter Al Austin and photojournalist Gordon Bartouche traveled to Vietnam and followed nearly a dozen Minnesota soldiers on the front lines. Pauleen Le reconnects with one of those "grunts": John Steele.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
In this extended interview, WCCO's Pauleen Le sits down with Dr. Tuong Ho Ha, Tam Nguyen, Dieu Tran and Trang Thanh Son — four Vietnamese veterans who now call Minnesota home, and say the pain they feel today is just as real as it was 50 years ago when the Vietnam War ended. This interview is presented in Vietnamese with English subtitles. Watch Le's documentary, "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota," on WCCO.com and on our YouTube channel.
The new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is under construction just outside of Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Set to open in late 2026, the $40 million, first-of-its-kind project in the nation will be eight times the size of the existing museum. It will honor not only Minnesota's service members and their sacrifices, but the refugee experience as well. Watch and read more in Pauleen Le's series "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota."
The Vietnam War ended April 30, 1975, with the Fall of Saigon. Refugees escaped the communist government by helicopter, by boat, and on foot, leaving their families behind. Some ultimately made it to Minnesota. In this WCCO 50th Anniversary Special, Pauleen Le shares untold stories, footage, and interviews from some Vietnamese, Hmong, Laotian, and Cambodian Americans who still remember that fateful day.
For the past 50 years, Camp Ripley in Little Falls has been home to the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum. In this web extra, WCCO's Pauleen Le and photojournalist Arthur Philips take us along for a look inside its archives ahead of the museum's massive transformation. Watch Le's documentary, "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflections on a War that Changed Minnesota," on WCCO.com and on our YouTube channel.
Previous state leadership prioritized ending veteran homelessness. Now, lawmakers are looking at eliminating state-funded direct financial assistance that helps veterans.
State funding cuts could dismantle a system that's making huge progress to house our homeless veterans.
It's proof you can make friends at any age: A couple of World War II veterans from Minnesota and Wisconsin struck up a friendship well after they turned 100.
The groundbreaking for the 15th home in the Housing for Heroes initiative took place Monday.
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is building a home that offers more than just shelter. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and reporter Jeff Wagner take us to St. Paul where construction is now underway to help homeless veterans.
Two dozen people in Eagan, Minnesota on Thursday — many of them veterans themselves or who have family who served in the military — rallied against proposed workforce reductions in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
As the Trump administration slashes federal spending, some are concerned about what cuts to the VA could mean for veterans.
Veterans in the state prison at Moose Lake have helped open up an American Legion Post.
A Minnesota prison is making history as becoming one of the newest American Legion posts where veterans can continue to uphold their promise to serve and protect, even while behind bars. WCCO's Reg Chapman reports.
Changing state law to define them as veterans would unlock state veterans benefits like the Minnesota GI bill or access to the state's veterans homes.
Hmong soldiers who fought for the U.S. during the Vietnam War are asking to be recognized for their service. The CIA recruited and trained them during the Secret War in Laos. As Caroline Cummings reports, they hope Minnesota law will honor their legacy.
The national commander of the American Legion has been in Minnesota this week, visiting different posts to talk about a variety of veterans' issues.
The national commander of the American Legion has been in Minnesota this week, visiting different posts to talk about a variety of veterans' issues.
This morning, he was at Fagen Fighters World War II Museum in Granite Falls, and that’s where we find WCCO’s John Lauritsen who got a chance to speak with the commander.
Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith were back in the Twin Cities metro on Tuesday to express their solidarity with veterans who lost their jobs at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Minnesota Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar are both back in town joining veterans in blasting the Trump Administration's plans to lay off thousands of employees from the VA.
There are fresh concerns about some Minnesota veterans who were laid off from their jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
At least 2,400 Veterans Affairs employees have been fired as part of the Trump administration's sweeping cuts to the size and scope of the federal government.
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
An investigation is underway after a body in a "severe state of decomposition" was discovered in the waters of Bde Maka Ska late Sunday morning, according to the Minneapolis Park Police Department.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
Family and friends are remembering a Twin Cities teenager killed following a crash on a Minneapolis highway last weekend.
Bryan De La Cruz hit a two-run single in the eighth inning and the Philadelphia Philles overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Minnesota Twins 7-5 and sweep the three-game series.
An investigation is underway after a body in a "severe state of decomposition" was discovered in the waters of Bde Maka Ska late Sunday morning, according to the Minneapolis Park Police Department.
Family and friends are remembering a Twin Cities teenager killed following a crash on a Minneapolis highway last weekend.
The Chisago County Attorney's Office filed a juvenile delinquency petition in connection with the Oct. 25, 2025, crash that happened near the intersection of Stacy and Ivywood trails in Chisago City.
The Fridley Police Department says Corinthyan Leyon Dancy was last seen leaving on foot from a family member's residence on the 8400 block of Regent Avenue North in Brooklyn Park at 7 a.m. Friday.
Police in Minneapolis say a man suffered serious injuries in a shooting early Sunday morning on the city's south side.
More than six fire departments responded in the middle of the night to Kingsway Senior Living, and staff say it took a village to relocate everyone to Belle Plaine High School for temporary shelter.
An individual is dead after a police officer shot at them with their service weapon on the Red Lake Nation Thursday, according to a special agent with the FBI.
Families heading west to the Black Hills this summer might make a stop at the Crazy Horse Memorial near Mount Rushmore. The memorial has a Minnesota connection that tells the story of the site.
More Minnesota communities are parting ways with Flock Safety and dropping the automatic license plate-reading cameras. On Thursday, the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office joined the list and announced they will no longer use the cameras.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including a slate of county fairs.
The crash happened at approximately 7:12 a.m. on westbound I-94 at milepost 13 in St. Croix County near Roberts, Wisconsin, according to the State Patrol.
Wisconsin residents headed to the polls Tuesday — or voted early — to have their say in the 2026 primary. Here are live results.
Progressive candidates for governor in Wisconsin and U.S. Senate in Minnesota are making their final pushes ahead of Tuesday's election.
Authorities have released the name of the Madison police officer who shot and killed a 38-year-old Black man last month in Wisconsin's capital city, Madison.
David Crowley, backed by Gov. Tony Evers, faces democratic socialist Francesca Hong in a Wisconsin primary that could signal how far left the Democratic Party is willing to go.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
In the aftermath of the Minnesota Primary, Republicans are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been. GOP nominee Michele Tafoya joined Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
The U.S. Army said Friday it is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights after two soldiers were killed earlier this week in a crash near Fort Hood, Texas.
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier departed Vietnam last week and is headed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, according to a U.S. official.
The Pentagon is pushing back against reports of poor conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
A Minnesota woman says she fainted, spiked a 102-degree fever, and was hospitalized with sepsis three days after eating a chicken burrito bowl at a Chipotle in Roseville, and genetic testing connected her case to a multistate outbreak, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday.
Parents will be digging deeper into their wallets this back-to-school season.
Get ready to watch movies and television with clarity like never before. That's how industry experts are describing the latest TV technology now on sale exclusively at Best Buy.
A lottery player in Minnesota won a jackpot of more than $34 million last week, a record for the Lotto America game in the state.
The lawsuit accuses Loon of using "kid-friendly characters" to promote its vapes in flavors such as Cotton Candy, Strawberry Popsicle, Banana Taffy and Blue Razz Slushy.
The Chisago County Attorney's Office filed a juvenile delinquency petition in connection with the Oct. 25, 2025, crash that happened near the intersection of Stacy and Ivywood trails in Chisago City.
Police in Minneapolis say a man suffered serious injuries in a shooting early Sunday morning on the city's south side.
The family of Kristen and Evie Brown, the victims in Wednesday's double murder-suicide in Hopkins, Minnesota, has released a statement through the Hopkins Police Department.
A man is in custody after shooting at Eagan, Minnesota, police officers early Saturday morning.
Five people were injured in the shooting involving multiple suspects. One person is currently listed in critical condition, the university said.
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
Back-to-back tainted food outbreaks have a lot of people asking what's safe to bring home from the grocery store.
A Minnesota woman says she fainted, spiked a 102-degree fever, and was hospitalized with sepsis three days after eating a chicken burrito bowl at a Chipotle in Roseville, and genetic testing connected her case to a multistate outbreak, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday.
The system uses light tracing and more than 1,500 data points to create a personalized treatment plan.
Two Michigan residents who had "significant underlying health conditions" have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said.
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including a slate of county fairs.
Rod Stewart, who is 81, is recovering from a "routine coronary stent procedure," according to his team. He had been scheduled to perform at the Grandstand on Sept. 1 alongside Richard Marx.
Singers at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota, are warming up for their performance on stage with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Foreigner.
The Uptown Art Fair kicked off in Minneapolis on Friday afternoon. The event is now closer to Uptown for the first time in two years.
Bryan De La Cruz hit a two-run single in the eighth inning and the Philadelphia Philles overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Minnesota Twins 7-5 and sweep the three-game series.
One of Tommy John's biggest legacies to MLB was his comeback elbow reconstruction surgery that now bears his name.
Joaquín Pereyra scored in the 89th minute and Drake Callender had six saves for Minnesota United in a 1-1 tie with Real Salt Lake.
Olivia Miles had 23 points and eight assists, Napheesa Collier added 19 points and the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx beat the Las Vegas Aces 92-87 on Saturday night.
Alec Bohm had five hits, Jesús Luzardo pitched 6 2/3 dominant innings and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Minnesota Twins 9-1 on Saturday night.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
The candidates for the Minnesota general election are all set, and the campaigns are shifting into a higher gear.
The Minnesota primary is Tuesday, with the final barrage of political ads in overdrive and candidates making their final pitches.
The Minnesota primary is Tuesday, with the final barrage of political ads in overdrive and candidates making their final pitches.
The polls close on Minnesota's high-stakes primary in a little more than five days, with new figures from the Secretary of State's Office showing more than 157,000 people have already voted.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Thousands of pictures of Split Rock Lighthouse are taken each year. And oftentimes a little island appears in those photos. Ellingsen Island has developed a following of its own.
There's a scenic, nearly century-old spot in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where right now you'll find thousands of flowers in bloom.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
There's a certain elegance to the common loon. Its black and white plumage carries a gentle sheen of green as though dressed for a formal affair. Subtle colors that allow its piercing red eyes to steal your gaze.
Parents will be digging deeper into their wallets this back-to-school season.
Minnesotans have become quite familiar with drought in recent years. Not only how it affects the water supply, but also the rules that can come with it.
The issue is a major talking point ahead of the midterm elections. Do gas prices actually impact elections?
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
Drought conditions have spread across much of Minnesota, with some of the state's driest conditions in central and northern Minnesota.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says Sunday will be pleasant and sunny.
Expect lots of sun by Sunday afternoon and Monday, with seasonable highs near 80.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso has the latest forecast.
A rollover caused a backup on I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Loved ones are mourning the loss of a Twin Cities teen who died just days before his birthday. One week ago, state patrol says 18-year-old Drew Fisher hit a highway divider on I-94 and was struck and killed after exiting his vehicle. Jason Rantala spoke with his mother about how she wants her son to be remembered.
Fridley police are looking for a 15-year-old boy who hasn't been seen since Friday morning.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows has the latest forecast.
A Minnesota girl is in the running for Toddler of the Year presented by Hasbro! Sarah, who has a rare form of dwarfism and lives in the St. Cloud area, made the top 14.