US Congressman Pays Tribute to Late Father with Visit to Vietnam: A Trip to Remember

Phillips’ goal of visiting Vietnam was to reconnect with the cherished memories of his father, who had tragically passed away when he was only six months old.

The trip was coordinated by Le Cong Tien, deputy head of the Americas Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Phillips and his team have spent a considerable amount of time discovering and cycling through Vietnam’s northern provinces. During their journey, they were able to witness the profound hospitality, warmth, and friendliness of the locals. It was a truly unforgettable experience for the whole group.

Following his time in the north, Phillips journeyed to Pleiku City in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai to gain greater insight into his father, Atur Pfefer, a U.S. Marine who sadly passed away on Ham Rong Mountain on July 25, 1969.

Though Phillips never had the chance to meet his father, his grandmother often showed him photos and shared tales of his father. She kept his memory alive in Phillips’ heart, despite the absence of his father in his life.

“At the time, I was certain that I would never lay eyes on him,” Phillips stated solemnly while standing on Ham Rong Mountain, close to the site where his father’s helicopter crashed. His mission now is to learn more about his father and the country where he passed away.”

I want to gain an understanding of his journey and missions during that time. I wish to visit the place where he passed away, smell the earth, and immerse myself in the tales so that I never forget them.”

With tears in his eyes, Phillips shared that he was only six months old when his father had passed away and, though he had never had the opportunity to meet him, he was able to build a connection through the recovered audio recordings.

“I still remember the first time I heard my dad’s voice on the recordings. That was the most unforgettable moment of my life,” Phillips declared.

In the recordings sent to my mom before he passed away, he recounted his time in Vietnam and shared that he had taken photos with his friends in Pleiku.

Listening to my dad’s voice was like a miracle, urging me to visit Vietnam. I could almost feel his enthusiasm in the air, and his words of encouragement and support filled me with a newfound courage to take the plunge. I was so inspired by his words that I decided to make the journey, and I’m so glad I did. It was a life-changing experience that I will never forget.

We are filled with immense gratitude for Vietnam. It is a country that has endured and overcome immense hardship, yet still stands strong in its resilience and perseverance. Throughout its history, Vietnam has been a beacon of strength and courage, inspiring generations of people to never give up in the face of adversity. The people of Vietnam have an unwavering spirit and a spirit of determination, which is something we can all strive to emulate.

We thank the nation and its people for their courage and strength. We are forever grateful for the examples set by Vietnam, and for the lessons we can learn from its history. May we all use the lessons of Vietnam’s past to guide us in creating a better future for ourselves and for the world.

With the assistance of two Vietnamese-born acquaintances, organizations in Vietnam, and Gia Lai authorities, Phillips’ team had the capacity to visit Ham Rong Mountain to re-follow the strides of his dad. By means of their help, they could retrace the steps of Phillips’ father and gain a deeper understanding of his journey. With the help of these invaluable connections, Phillips’ team gained a greater insight into the journey of his father.

Upon arriving at the mountain, Phillips encountered Pyek Rocham, a 61-year-old local resident. He was able to take Pyek to the exact spot where his father’s accident occurred.

Though Rocham did not witness the crash of Phillips’ father, he was well-informed of the incident and even visited the crash site several days later.

The day was spent with Rocham guiding Phillips and his team to the crash site, where the U.S. Congressman had buried photos of himself, his family, mother, and elder brother. Rocham led them to the spot where they could unearth the keepsakes of the Congressman’s past, and Phillips and his team were amazed at the sight. After they had unearthed the photos, the Congressman was moved to tears as he looked upon them. They were mementos of his childhood and a reminder of his beloved family. As they made their way back, the Congressman was filled with gratitude for the experience, and he thanked Rocham for his help.

Family photos and a badge, symbolizing unity, were laid to rest along with my father, Phillips said, his voice choked with emotion. My family and I will remain by his side, always.

In attendance at the brief, mountain-side ceremony was Hollywood star Woody Harrelson, who had become acquainted with the congressman eight years prior and had agreed to accompany him on the trip.

“I am deeply touched to accompany him on his journey to discover his father’s recollections,” Harrelson remarked.

Before leaving the mountain, Phillips cupped a handful of earth to take back to his mother as a token of appreciation. He then thanked his U.S. friends, his newfound Vietnamese friends, and the journalists in attendance.

“This is undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of my life,” Phillips declared. “As you may know, my father and his comrades who passed away in 1969, alongside other American and Vietnamese soldiers, had their own families, siblings, and children just like me.”

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We share similar sentiments and feel the pain inflicted by wars. We are obligated to serve our nations and express our love for them, but no one truly likes war.

I viscerally understand what he experienced in the war, and how it must have been. I deeply cherish peace and Vietnam, and I know you do as well.

You are well aware, more than anyone else, that you have fought for peace and freedom across many generations.

My current role is to raise awareness among the American public about the Vietnam War. It is important to remember that the conflict had a significant social and political impact that still resonates today. As such, it is essential to understand the history of the war and its consequences in order to better comprehend the current state of affairs.

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Everyone deserves to live in freedom and autonomy. We should all strive for a world where we have the right to choose our own paths and live with dignity. No one should be denied that fundamental right.

This is the first and most crucial thing I must communicate to my family and friends in the U.S.—we must fight for our freedom. It is a cause that is worth fighting for and one that we all must actively engage in if we are to remain a free nation. We must remember that freedom is not free, and that the cost of freedom is vigilance and hard work. But if we are to keep our liberty, we must all strive together to protect it.

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are important.

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Woody Harrelson revealed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that this was his maiden voyage to Vietnam, the Southeast Asian nation.

Arriving in Vietnam, he was enthralled by the warmth and hospitality of the local people, especially those who recognized him and greeted him with a cheerful ‘xin chao’ (hello).

“As Phillips mentioned earlier,” Harrelson said, “people in our country have a tendency to view Vietnam primarily through the lens of its wars from the past. However, when I come here, I feel that your country is incredibly beautiful and warm.”

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Locals in the area are renowned for their warmth and friendliness, always wearing a smile. They are more than happy to help newcomers to the area and make sure everyone feels welcome.

On this trip, we had a fantastic time playing volleyball and taking part in a variety of activities, especially on International Women’s Day [March 8]. We had the opportunity to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women around the world, while also enjoying the fun and camaraderie of our group. It was an unforgettable experience that we’ll never forget.

This important experience has been deeply meaningful to me. I have formed a strong connection with Vietnam and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to go back one day.”

He has been nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe awards.

Woody Harrelson, born in 1961, is an award-winning Hollywood actor who has starred in a variety of blockbuster films. These include Natural Born Killers, Zombieland, The Hunger Games, Now You See Me, and True Detective. His impressive acting career has earned him nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe awards.

He has won an Emmy Award and been nominated for three Oscars. He has also directed several Broadway shows and acted in many plays.