Greensboro has been so wet this summer, it seems like fish are going to start swimming in the streets. The above street, East Wendover Avenue, has many small businesses, most of which are privately owned and not chains. One such example is DONG-TAM Fresh Fish market. Dong Tam, means "United Hearts and Minds" in Vietnamese and was the Headquarters Base Camp for the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. It was a place that started as a rice paddy and got converted to civilian amenities and displayed an American presence in the Mekong Delta.*
We doubt that this establishment on East Wendover Avenuewas was intended to evoke that much history; however, it does represent the hopes and dreams of the Vietnamese community living in Greensboro- being successful, productive citizens. We're not so sure if this location is still open; however, there is a Facebook page for Dong Tam Fresh Fish Market at 2011 East Market Street. Perhaps they have relocated.
As we celebrate Labor Day in the USA, let us hope that new and longtime Americans alike learn to appreciate the social and economic achievements of the American workers. Let us find a way to celebrate and value the contributions of laborers. Happy Labor Day to all!
*http://www.gingerb.com/vietnam_dong_tam.htm
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