Exactly twenty years ago, in July 1995, the formal normalization of diplomatic relations between the United State of America and Vietnam took place. To celebrate this milestone, the U.S Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City held two galas.
The process of normalization involved varied efforts by multiple groups from the United States and Vietnam. These include POW-MIA families seeking to account for their missing loved ones; Vietnamese refugees wanting reunification with family members left behind; American businesses seeking to export to Vietnam or invest there. From Vietnam, a strong motivation to access to U.S. markets and investments and the U.S supports after the collapse of the former Soviet Union encouraged the Government of Vietnam to pursue actively its relations with the U.S.
