ClassX Video Lessons An NVA soldier and his son hid in the jungle for 40 years thinking the Vietnam War was still ongoing
In 2013, an incredible story emerged from the jungles of Vietnam. Two men, a father and his son, appeared after living in isolation for 40 years. They had hidden away, believing the Vietnam War was still ongoing, even though it officially ended in 1975. This story highlights the profound impact of war, which can linger long after the battles have ceased.
The father, Hovan Tan, was a soldier in the North Vietnamese Army. In 1972, during an intense American air raid, Tan was presumed dead. However, he managed to escape into the dense jungle with his infant son, Long, who was just one year old at the time. Tan, already struggling with mental health issues, chose to live in seclusion, fearing the outside world.
For four decades, Tan and Long survived in a small wooden hut perched high in a tree. They lived off the land, foraging for food and hunting small animals. Occasionally, a mysterious stranger visited them, bringing essential items like salt and knives. Despite these visits, Tan and Long remained wary of the world beyond their jungle home.
The stranger who visited them turned out to be Long’s brother, also named Long, who had been presumed dead. He eventually convinced Tan and Long to return to their village. Upon their return, they were recognized as war veterans and received support from the Vietnamese government. However, adapting to modern society proved challenging for both men.
Tan passed away in 2017, and Long, deeply affected by his father’s death, succumbed to liver cancer in 2021 at the age of 52. Their story, though sometimes distorted over time, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring scars of war and the extreme measures people take to escape its horrors.
The tale of Tan and Long is not just a story of survival but also a lesson on the psychological and emotional toll of war. It underscores the importance of mental health support for veterans and the need for societies to help those affected by conflict reintegrate and heal. As we reflect on their journey, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for peace.
Research the Vietnam War and its impact on both soldiers and civilians. Create a presentation that highlights key events, the war’s psychological effects, and how it shaped the lives of people like Hovan Tan and his son. Share your findings with the class to foster a deeper understanding of the war’s long-term consequences.
Imagine you are either Hovan Tan or his son Long. Write a diary entry describing a day in your life in the jungle. Focus on your emotions, daily activities, and interactions with the mysterious visitor. This exercise will help you empathize with their experience and understand the challenges they faced.
Participate in a class debate on the pros and cons of living in isolation versus reintegrating into society after a traumatic event. Use the story of Tan and Long as a case study to support your arguments. This activity will encourage critical thinking and discussion about the complexities of post-war life.
Watch a documentary about the Vietnam War and its aftermath. After viewing, engage in a class discussion about how the documentary’s content relates to the story of Tan and Long. Discuss the broader implications of war on individuals and communities, and how these lessons apply to current global conflicts.
Create an art piece that represents the resilience of the human spirit, inspired by Tan and Long’s story. Use any medium you prefer, such as drawing, painting, or digital art. Display your artwork in the classroom and explain how it captures the themes of survival, isolation, and the quest for peace.
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An NVA soldier and his son hid in the jungle for 40 years, from 1972 to 2013. The Vietnam War officially lasted for 20 years, ending in 1975, but for many, the conflict continued long after, manifesting as severe trauma and life-changing injuries. Remarkably, one man’s experience of the Vietnam War extended for 40 years.
In 2013, a middle-aged man and an elderly man emerged from the jungle, both severely malnourished. They identified themselves as father and son, having hidden from the horrors of the Vietnam War for four decades, unaware that the war had ended shortly after they fled into the jungle.
The elderly man was identified as Hovan Tan, a North Vietnamese soldier presumed dead after an American air raid in 1972. During the raid, Tan managed to escape into the jungle with his one-year-old son, Long. It is believed that Tan was already struggling with mental health issues at that time. They lived in a small wooden hut high in a tree, surviving on foraged food and small animals.
Over the years, they received occasional visits from a mysterious stranger who brought gifts like salt and knives. Despite this, they remained fearful of returning to society, developing a deep mistrust of the outside world.
Eventually, the stranger revealed himself to be Long, Tan’s other son, who had been presumed dead. He persuaded them to return to their village, where they received support from the Vietnamese government as war veterans. However, both men struggled to adapt to the changes in society.
Tan passed away in 2017, and Long, who never fully recovered from his father’s death, died of liver cancer in September 2021 at the age of 52. Their story has been distorted over the years, but it serves as a sobering reminder of the lengths people will go to avoid the horrors of war and the lasting impact it has on survivors.
War – A state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country. – The Vietnam War had a profound impact on both the soldiers who fought in it and the civilians who lived through it.
Isolation – The process or fact of being separated from others, often leading to a lack of social interaction. – Many soldiers experienced isolation upon returning home, as they struggled to reintegrate into civilian life after the war.
Soldier – A person who serves in an army and is trained to fight in wars. – The soldiers in Vietnam faced not only the enemy but also the harsh conditions of the jungle.
Mental – Relating to the mind or psychological processes. – The mental health of veterans is a critical concern, as many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after their service.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury, both physically and mentally. – Maintaining good mental health is essential for soldiers returning from combat to adjust to civilian life.
Jungle – A dense forest in a tropical region, often difficult to navigate and survive in. – The dense jungles of Vietnam posed significant challenges for soldiers during the war.
Vietnam – A Southeast Asian country that was the site of a major conflict involving the United States from 1955 to 1975. – The Vietnam War was a contentious and pivotal event in American history, influencing public opinion and policy.
Survival – The act of continuing to live or exist, especially in difficult conditions. – Survival in the harsh conditions of the Vietnam jungle required both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Veterans – Individuals who have served in the military, particularly those who have fought in wars. – Many Vietnam veterans faced challenges when they returned home, including adjusting to civilian life and dealing with the psychological effects of war.
Resilience – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks. – The resilience of soldiers is often tested in combat, as they must adapt to rapidly changing and stressful situations.
