United and standing tall: Vietnam memorial in San Jose celebrates strength and freedom

SAN JOSE’S VIETNAMESE community is celebrating a long-anticipated monument symbolizing its post-war roots in the city after the project faced years of delays.

The statue, unveiled July 13 at the Vietnamese Heritage Garden, features a Vietnamese soldier and an American soldier, both armed and standing beside each other atop rocky terrain in front of the flags for both countries. District 7 Councilmember Bien Doan, who represents the Kelley Park neighborhood where the garden was created, stood beside fellow elected officials who helped bring the monument to life. Doan said he wants it to be a place for reflection, education and inspiration to future generations.