The Allies found murdered civilians as we took Hue back after Tet 1968. Next year we will review the history.
At the time Pham Duy composed a direct response. Khanh Ly still sings it.
So I weep for our Viet Nam, for three long generations
I’m not a random passerby,
I’m not a fellow from some other clan,
So I weep for one, not far away, fallen on the battlefield
While still a youth.
Don’t disguise it with the sound of singing,
Don’t think you need a pair of tinted glasses,
Look unblinking at our ruined countryside;
Count one by one the bodies of our guiltless dead;
Rage against these fratricidal battles;
Weep in spirit even if your well of tears is dry.
Know enough to grieve; know enough to be ashamed!
For our hills and streams are covered in a pall of black.
I cannot stand by indifferently!
I cannot stand here in silence!
So I scream into the void words more terrible
Than guns or bombs.
I cannot stand by with muted mouth!
I cannot have ears that hear no sound!
Therefore I weep, and shall lose my senses till the day
That peace returns.
[Translation by Eric Henry of Toi khong phai la go da by Pham Duy.]
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