Over the weekend, Vietnam marked 41 years since the end of the American War. While Saigon has changed dramatically in those four decades, transforming into the economic heart of the country as well as its most modern metropolis, April 30, 1975 was a fateful day for the city's residents – and, of course, the country as a whole.
Though much of Saigon's history does not exist on film or on paper, this day – and the months which followed – were well-documented in the city. Thanks to diligent Flickr user manhhai, here are 30 images of Saigon which tell, in part, the story of April 30, 1975 and the following months.
Military vehicles approach the corner of Tran Hung Dao and Ky Con Streets on April 30, 1975.
Military vehicles arrive in Saigon on April 30, 1975.
Soldiers capture a photo on April 30, 1975.
A soldier stands beside a car at Quach Thi Trang Roundabout on April 30, 1975.
May 1975.
Students learn a new salute, May 1975.
A young woman directs traffic, May 1975.
Students at the Youth Cultural House, May 1975.
May 1975.
May 1975.
Soldiers pedal down the street, May 1975.
May 1975.
Women stand near a mobile gas station on Le Duan Street, May 1975.
Soldiers reunite with their families, May 1975.
A wedding dinner, held just days after April 30, 1975.
Corner of Nguyen Hue and Mac Thi Buoi Streets, May 1975.
May 1975.
Ong Lanh Bridge, May 1975.
Couple on the corner of Vo Van Tan and Le Quy Don Streets, May 1975.
May 1975.
May 1975.
May 1975.
May 1975.
Thong Nhat Street (now Le Duan) in front of the zoo, May 1975.
Two naval soldiers pose for a photo, May 1975.
Le Loi Street, May 1975.
Pham Hong Thai Street (now Cach Mang Thang Tam), May 1975.