Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Since the 1970s, Lincoln, Nebraska, has been notably influenced by the Vietnamese refugee community that began arriving after the fall of Saigon in 1975. This influx was a result of Lincoln being named a "Refugee Friendly" city by the U.S. Department of State.

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) played a crucial role in assisting these new arrivals. The organization, founded in 1932, began resettling refugees in 1948, working alongside the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. Department of State to provide essential services. These services included transportation, cultural orientation, English classes, and job placement.

In 1975, CSS facilitated the resettlement of 257 Vietnamese refugees in Lincoln and Hastings by helping with housing, furnishing, food, and job interviews. By 1979, over 450 Southeast Asians had settled in Nebraska. Although federal funding for refugee resettlement via CSS ended earlier this year, their impact is still evident.

A significant figure in this narrative is Alex Tran, originally known as Chuyen. As a child, Tran fled South Vietnam with his family after an unconditional surrender was declared to North Vietnam. The family made a perilous journey by boat, eventually receiving assistance from the U.S. Navy.

"All we knew was that the Americans would save us," Tran recalled. "They’ll take care of us." The U.S. Navy aided them by dropping cargo nets, enabling women and children to board safely. During this voyage, Tran encountered dolphins and whales, which became symbols of hope.

Tran and his family were initially taken to Guam, then Hawaii, and later to a refugee camp at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, before finally settling in Lincoln. With support from CSS, they started a new life and contributed to creating the Immaculate Heart of Mary Vietnamese Parish in the city.

Though many of Tran’s family members have since left Lincoln, they are planning to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their arrival in America with a reunion in Lincoln. This gathering will serve as a reflection on their past journey and the welcoming nature of their new home.