The Vietnamese Heritage Museum collaborated with the Santa Ana Library to present a discussion and introduction of the book “Along the Southern Boundary” by author Les Bird at 2 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2022. The event was held at Santa Ana Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Mr. Les Bird is a former Royal Navy officer who volunteered in Hong Kong in 1976. During his service, he rescued Vietnamese Boat People. He took many precious pictures from escaped boats crossing the border and into the Hong Kong refugee camp.
Mr. Chau Thuy said “We feel fortunate that Mr. Bird was able to take many photos capturing those critical and historical moments with his camera. His photos have now become a precious part of our Vietnamese Refugee Archive.
Later in the program, Mr. Bird handed the camera to Mr. Chau Thuy. This invaluable donated camera captured extraordinary photos of the Vietnamese Boat People during the Refugee Crisis Period in Hong Kong.
In exchange, Mr. Chau Thuy honored him with a plaque on which was written: “In recognition of your deep compassion for the Vietnamese Boat People and your tireless efforts in the preservation of the unique camera and historical photos.”
The event was full of surprises and emotion from the Hongkong refugee audience as they viewed the photos.
