Seeking Closure 50 Years After the End of the Vietnam War

Fifty years ago this week Communist forces seized the city of Saigon bringing an end to the Vietnam war. It was a war that defined a generation with effects that reverberate today. We go to Laos were one man’s search for closure takes him to the top of the country’s tallest mountains.Correction: A previous version of this episode incorrectly stated that the story takes place on the highest mountain in Laos. It is one of the tallest mountains in the country. Sponsor Message Enlarge this image Rick Holland (in red) shows a black-and-white photo of his father, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Melvin Holland, to a member of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency team searching for his remains, in Sam Neua, Laos, Jan. 23. John Ruwitch/NPR hide caption toggle caption John Ruwitch/NPR Rick Holland (in red) shows a black-and-white photo of his father, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Melvin Holland, to a member of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency team searching for his remains, in Sam Neua, Laos, Jan. 23. John Ruwitch/NPR