Dong Loc Junction: Balancing Acts of Honor, Masculinity, and Femininity
Presentation Type
Poster
Release Option
Metadata Only
Description
A part of Operation Rolling Thunder, Dong Loc Junction experienced extreme tragedy during the American War in Vietnam. Dong Loc Junction was a pivotal intersection on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In July of 1968, ten Vietnamese girls, aged 17-22, were killed in a bombing. In the present day, the girls' labor is immortalized in a masculine manner, exemplified through stone carvings depicting the girls in robust, masculine poses, symbolizing their work on the Ho Chi Minh trail. However, the feminity of the girls is expressed at their grave site located near the monument. The graves are serene, with incense floating in the air and white flowers adorned on the graves, denoting purity. In contrast, American memorials hardly ever recognize the role of women in the Vietnam War. Only after several years was an addition made to the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, representing women's service during the war. The monument in Vietnam memorializes both heroism and sacrifice. Whereas the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial serves as a reminder of the tragedy that occurred in Vietnam. Countering American-centric and male-biased interpretations of the Vietnam War allows for a deeper understanding of a war in which all individuals, regardless of gender, were involved.
Faculty Mentor
Bill Allison
Department of Primary Presenter's Major
Department of History
Symposium Year
2024
Dong Loc Junction: Balancing Acts of Honor, Masculinity, and Femininity
