VU

“It has been a divisive issue for Vietnamese within Vietnam, and also between the government of Vietnam and the diaspora,” said Tuong Vu, a professor of political science at the University of Oregon and founding director of its U.S.-Vietnam Research Center.

“It does show an effort to reach out to the other side, and that’s what many people have been advising the government,” Vu said.

For example, Vu said official statements now have fewer references to a “puppet government” in what was formerly South Vietnam, a term used to delegitimize its former adversary and denounce America’s involvement in the war.

"I'm not thinking past the experience but afterwards I'd definitely like to get some dim sum with my family and have that deja vu moment," he adds, 10 years on from his last mini marathon.

If you’re feeling a sense of déjà vu as we prepare to say goodbye to the Conner family, it’s not a surprise given we’ve been here before more than once.