The Cu Chi Tunnels

Our final stop for Friday, March 7th is the Cu Chi Tunnels. We arrive later than we had planned but we are eager to see the tunnels. And some of us are eager to go into the tunnels. We enter the visitors center prior to going to the area of the tunnels. There is a large map showing the area and how the tunnels covered so much of this region. The U.S. Army 25th Infantry was headquartered in this area. Later, it was discovered that the tunnels even extended under the 25th's base camp. Colonel Dick, one of our veteran tour guides, gives us an overview of the tunnels and the surrounding area. We watch a movie produced by the North Vietnamese Army during the war. The actual footage taken in the area is of interest, even though the movie presents a slanted point of view.

After the presentation at the visitors center, we walk across the road to the area where we will be able to see the tunnels and other displays. The area has been reforested since the war and looks much as it did in the 1960's.

Our guide from the visitors center leads us to an area in the forest. He challenges us to find the tunnel. We do not do very well in locating the door to the tunnel. It is small and covered with leaves. To our surprise, our guide uncovers the door right in the middle of the group of trees. This tunnel has been enlarged from its original size. During the war, this tunnel would have been about two thirds of the size that it is now. Our guide enters the tunnel to show us what it was like when the tunnel was in use. We are amazed at how small the tunnel entrance is now. We cannot imagine how it must have been to use the tunnel system in its original state.

Next we moved to a display of devises that were used against the American soldiers during the war. These included various types of punji traps. These devises were not easy to look at, knowing that many Americans suffered and died as a result of the punji traps.

Time to go into the tunnels! Those who wished to go into the tunnels had the opportunity to do so. There were two levels, one deeper and longer than the other. Connie and Gayle decided to go into the deeper tunnel. They were very brave. Even though the tunnels had been enlarged for westerners to go through, Connie and Gayle still could not stand up inside. The sides of the tunnel were close around their shoulders.

After what seemed like a long time (to me on the surface), Connie and Gayle emerged from the tunnels.

Our friend, Sonny, served at the base at Cu Chi as part of the U.S. Army 25th Infantry. Ed collects dirt to bring to Sonny as a remembrance of the time that he served in the area.