The conflict profoundly affected the American troops who served there, as well as the nation’s culture and politics. But 50 years later, veterans say they see its mistakes being repeated.

Vietnam’s top leader said his nation is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s great powers, as tens of thousands gathered to watch a military parade marking 50 years since the end of the war and the defeat of the US-backed southern regime.

Like her, Ho Chi Minh City, where she lived, was gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, when the Communists triumphed. Today's Vietnam is a remarkably different country than the one American troops withdrew from in defeat – it's enterprising,