Showing 107 items
matching presidential
-
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MERLE HALL COLLECTION: DOCUMENTS RELATING TO AGM'S BENDIGO ARTS COUNCIL 1971 TO 1981
Documents relating to Annual General Meetings - Arts Council of Australia (Victorian Division), Bendigo Branch/Bendigo Arts Council 1971-1981 a. 1971: Agenda, Executive Committee Presidential Report,Secretary/Treasurer's Report, Publicity Officer's Report, Recruitment Sub-Committee Report, Arts Centre Sub-Committee Report,Accounts, Constitution (dated 1st October 1971) Note; cover has a printed list of ''Branches'' (Arts Council of Australia, Victorian Branches??); b. 1972: Agenda, Office Bearers, President's Report, Secretary/Treasurer's Report, Publicity Officer's Report, Arts Centre Sub-Committee Report, Tour Manager's Report, Accounts;Note: Handwritten annotation to date on front cover is ''30th June 1973'' & handwritten annotations to the Office Bearers' page - headed Branch Executive Committee 1972-73 c. 1973: Agenda, President's report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Publicity Officer's Report, Schools Report, ''Copy for Information'' attached; d. 1974: Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Art Centre Sub-Committee Report (with handwritten additions), Attendance List (handwritten),Copy; e. 1975: Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Art Centre Sub-Committee Report, Attendance List (handwritten), Copy; f. 1976:President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, Notice of Meeting & Agenda, Handwritten list of representing Affiliated organizations (names, addresses, organization represented), Handwritten Attendance List; g. 1977 Minutes of 1977 Annual Meeting, Agenda, President's Report, Secretary's Report, page headed ''Community Arts Activity Centre'', Accounts; Copy; h: 1978 Agenda, Notice of meeting, Group Representative nomination form, Minutes of the 8oth Meeting of the Branch Executive (4/7/1978), page of activities for the months of July-November, President's Report, Secretary's Report, Accounts, ''Community Arts Activity Centrer'' report; I; Minutes of 1978 Annual Meeting; j; Minutes of 1979 AGM (one page and incomplete, page with three formatted Application Forms (cabaret, subscription, sub-committee), Bendigo Arts Council Newsletter July 1979, President's Report, Executive Committee (2 pages- one with handwritten annotations); k; Minutes of Annual meeting 1980, Notice of meeting, President's Report, Accounts; l: 1981 AGM Agenda, Secretary's Report, President's Report, -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Print Kapyong, Kapyong
On 23 April, the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson, and the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, occupied prominent hills on either side of the seven-kilometre-wide valley, where a small tributary joined the Kapyong River. Also forward were headquarters units, tanks and artillery. The 1st Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, were to the rear. Early in the evening, retreating South Koreans streamed past the Commonwealth position, with Chinese forces closely intermingled. Soon afterwards a platoon of American tanks supporting 3 RAR was overrun. The Kapyong valley was too large an area to defend with the forces available, and the brigade was spread very thinly. Throughout the night the Chinese repeatedly pressed the Australian positions, attacking in waves over their own dead and wounded. At dawn, A Company, under the command of Major Bernard "Ben" O'Dowd, found that the Chinese had infiltrated its position, but a counter-attack was able to eject them. Meanwhile B Company, which had spent the night on a hill near the riiver, discovered Chinese occupying some old bunkers on a small knoll. Hand-to-hand fighting ensued with grenades and bayonets. C Company, under the command of Captain Reg Saunders, was in position to reinforce both A and B Companies. "Major O'Dowd then directed the radio operator to contact anyone. The American 1st Marine Division answered but their operator refused to believe who our operator was speaking for. Major O'Dowd took the phone and demanded to speak to the commanding officer. The general in charge of the [Marine] division came on the phone and told O'Dowd we didn't exist as we had been wiped out the night before. Major O'Dowd said, 'I've got news for you, we are still here and we are staying here.'" Private Patrick Knowles, 3 RAR, on the morning of 24 April 1951 Fighting continued throughout the day with the Australians holding their positions, and the Chinese also engaging D Company. But late on 24 April, with their position now untenable, the Australians were forced into a fighting withdrawal down a ridge to the valley, where they rejoined the brigade. Their withdrawal was supported by New Zealand artillery from the 16th Field Regiment. Having found the Canadian position unassailable, the Chinese made no further attacks. By the afternoon of 25 April the road through to the Canadians had been cleared of Chinese and 2 PPCLI was relieved by US Army units. On Anzac Day 1951, the Australians rested after a long fight. Thirty-two Australians were killed and 53 were wounded for their part in stalling the Chinese advance and preventing Seoul from falling into enemy hands. Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Ferguson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his skilful leadership, and the Australian and Canadian battalions both received United States Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations for their part in the battle. http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/korea/operations/kapyong/Print of painting of action in Kapyong Korea in wooden frame under glassDonated by Frank Arnold on behalf of Korean Veterans Association of Australia inc.korea, kapyong, 3rar -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clock, 1867-1870
Chauncey Jerome (1793–1868) was an American clock maker in the early to mid 19th century. He made a fortune selling his clocks, and his business grew quickly. Jerome was born in Canaan USA in 1793 son of a blacksmith and nail-maker. He began his career in Plymouth, making dials for long-case clocks where he learned all he could about clocks, particularly clock cases, and then went to New Jersey to make seven-foot cases for clocks mechanisms. In 1816 he went to work for Eli Terry making "Patent Shelf Clocks," learning how to make previously handmade cases using machinery. Deciding to go into business for himself, Jerome began to make cases, trading them to Terry for wooden movements. In 1822 Jerome moved his business to Bristol New Haven, opening a small shop with his brother Noble and began to produce a 30-hour and eight-day wooden clocks. By 1837 Jerome's company was selling more clocks than any of his competitors. A one-day wood-cased clock, which sold for six dollars had helped put the company on the map. A year later his company was selling that same clock for four dollars. The company also sold one line of clocks at a wholesale price of 75 cents and by 1841 the company was showing an annual profit of a whopping $35,000, primarily from the sale of its brass movements. In 1842 Jerome moved his clock-case manufacturing operation to St. John Street in New Haven. Three years later, following a fire that destroyed the Bristol plant, Jerome relocated the entire operation to Elm City factory. Enlarging the plant, the company soon became the largest industrial employer in the city, producing 150,000 clocks annually. In 1850 Jerome formed the Jerome Manufacturing Co. as a joint-stock company with Benedict & Burnham, brass manufacturers of Waterbury. In 1853 the company then became known as the New Haven Clock Co, producing 444,000 clocks and timepieces annually, then the largest clock maker in the world. Jerome's future should have been secure but in 1855 he bought out a failed Bridgeport clock company controlled by P.T. Barnum, which wiped him out financially, leaving the Jerome Manufacturing Co. bankrupt. Jerome never recovered from the loss. By his admission, he was a better inventor than a businessman. When Jerome went bankrupt in 1856 the New Haven Clock Company purchased the company. One of the primary benefits of Jerome purchasing New Haven in the first place was the good reputation of the Jerome brand and the network of companies that remained interested in selling its clocks. In England, Jerome & Co. Ltd. sold Jerome clocks for the New Haven company until 1904, when New Haven purchased the English firm outright. After his involvement with the New Haven Company in 1856, Jerome traveled from town to town, taking jobs where he could, often working for clock companies that had learned the business of clock making using Jerome's inventions. On returning to New Haven near the end of his life, he died, penniless, in 1868 at the age of 74. The company struggled on after Jerome's bankruptcy until after World War II, when the company endeavored to continue through disruptions caused by a takeover along with poor sales, finally having to fold its operations in 1960 a little more than 100 years after it had been founded. The item is significant as it is associated with Chauncey Jerome who had made a historic contribution to the clock making industry during the 19th century when he began to substitute brass mechanisms for wooden mechanisms in his clocks. This was said to be the greatest and most far-reaching contribution to the clock industry. Because of his discovery of stamping out clockwork gears rather than using castings, Jerome was producing the lowest-priced clocks in the world. That can only add to his significance as the major clock manufacture of the 19th century. Jerome may have made and lost, a fortune selling his clocks but was perhaps the most influential and creative person associated with the American clock business during the mid-19th century. Also, he had served his community as a legislator in 1834, a Presidential elector in 1852 and mayor of New Haven, Connecticut from 1854 to 1855.Eight day movement wall clock with Roman numerals, octagonal shaped rosewood veneered casing, hinged face with locking clip. Wound from front. Face has adjustment for Fast-to-Slow.Part paper label on back of case can just make out "Jerome" and "ight and One" probable meaning is "Eight and One Day" describing the movements operational time between winding the mechanism.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clock maker, jerome & co, new haven, chauncey jerome, canaan -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Clock, 1867-1870
Chauncey Jerome (1793–1868) was an American clock maker in the early to mid 19th century. He made a fortune selling his clocks, and his business grew quickly. Jerome was born in Canaan USA in 1793 son of a blacksmith and nail-maker. He began his career in Plymouth, making dials for long-case clocks where he learned all he could about clocks, particularly clock cases, and then went to New Jersey to make seven-foot cases for clocks mechanisms. In 1816 he went to work for Eli Terry making "Patent Shelf Clocks," learning how to make previously handmade cases using machinery. Deciding to go into business for himself, Jerome began to make cases, trading them to Terry for wooden movements. In 1822 Jerome moved his business to Bristol New Haven, opening a small shop with his brother Noble and began to produce a 30-hour and eight-day wooden clocks. By 1837 Jerome's company was selling more clocks than any of his competitors. A one-day wood-cased clock, which sold for six dollars had helped put the company on the map. A year later his company was selling that same clock for four dollars. The company also sold one line of clocks at a wholesale price of 75 cents and by 1841 the company was showing an annual profit of a whopping $35,000, primarily from the sale of its brass movements. In 1842 Jerome moved his clock-case manufacturing operation to St. John Street in New Haven. Three years later, following a fire that destroyed the Bristol plant, Jerome relocated the entire operation to Elm City factory. Enlarging the plant, the company soon became the largest industrial employer in the city, producing 150,000 clocks annually. In 1850 Jerome formed the Jerome Manufacturing Co. as a joint-stock company with Benedict & Burnham, brass manufacturers of Waterbury. In 1853 the company then became known as the New Haven Clock Co, producing 444,000 clocks and timepieces annually, then the largest clock maker in the world. Jerome's future should have been secure but in 1855 he bought out a failed Bridgeport clock company controlled by P.T. Barnum, which wiped him out financially, leaving the Jerome Manufacturing Co. bankrupt. Jerome never recovered from the loss. By his admission, he was a better inventor than a businessman. When Jerome went bankrupt in 1856 the New Haven Clock Company purchased the company. One of the primary benefits of Jerome purchasing New Haven in the first place was the good reputation of the Jerome brand and the network of companies that remained interested in selling its clocks. In England, Jerome & Co. Ltd. sold Jerome clocks for the New Haven company until 1904, when New Haven purchased the English firm outright. After his involvement with the New Haven Company in 1856, Jerome traveled from town to town, taking jobs where he could, often working for clock companies that had learned the business of clock making using Jerome's inventions. On returning to New Haven near the end of his life, he died, penniless, in 1868 at the age of 74. The company struggled on after Jerome's bankruptcy until after World War II, when the company endeavored to continue through disruptions caused by a takeover along with poor sales, finally having to fold its operations in 1960 a little more than 100 years after it had been founded. The item is significant as it is associated with Chauncey Jerome who had made a historic contribution to the clock making industry during the 19th century when he began to substitute brass mechanisms for wooden mechanisms in his clocks. This was said to be the greatest and most far-reaching contribution to the clock industry. Because of his discovery of stamping out clockwork gears rather than using castings, Jerome was producing the lowest-priced clocks in the world. That can only add to his significance as the major clock manufacture of the 19th century. Jerome may have made and lost, a fortune selling his clocks but was perhaps the most influential and creative person associated with the American clock business during the mid-19th century. Also, he had served his community as a legislator in 1834, a Presidential elector in 1852 and mayor of New Haven, Connecticut from 1854 to 1855.Clock, marine, in octagonal rosewood veneer case. Roman numerals to dial, has a seconds dial. 2 key-winding holes slow-to-Fast adjustment pin through dial. Small lever in lower edge of case activates a chime. "8 day, 8 inch, Lever Striking escarpment " Paper label on the back of the clock "Jerome & Co, New Haven, Conn" "Manufacturers of every variety of Office and Home Clocks and Time Pieces".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clock, jerome & co, new haven, clock maker, chauncey jerome -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, LaFeber, Walter, The Deadly Bet: LBJ, Vietnam, and the 1968 Election, 2005
Lyndon B. Johnson made a life or death bet during his presidential term - and lost. While fighting an extended war against a determined foe, he gambled that American society could also endure a vast array of domestic reforms. The result was the turmoil of the 1968 presidential election, a crisis more severe than any since the Civil War. With thousands killed in Vietnam, hundreds died in civil riots, televised chaos at the Democratic National Convention, and two major assassination's, Americans responded by voting for the law and order message of Richard Nixon.Lyndon B. Johnson made a life or death bet during his presidential term - and lost. While fighting an extended war against a determined foe, he gambled that American society could also endure a vast array of domestic reforms. The result was the turmoil of the 1968 presidential election, a crisis more severe than any since the Civil War. With thousands killed in Vietnam, hundreds died in civil riots, televised chaos at the Democratic National Convention, and two major assassination's, Americans responded by voting for the law and order message of Richard Nixon.johnson, lyndon b. (lyndon baines), 1908-1973., presidents -- united states -- election -- 1968, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- united states -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Prochnau, William, Once Upon a Distant War: Young War Correspondents and the Early Vietnam Battles, 1995
The American reporters who came to Vietnam in 1961 expected to write about an exotic little war in a country of tigers and elephants. What they found instead was a debacle in the making, in which American pilots flew missions illegally while their Vietnamese counterparts strafed the Presdential Palace. When they reported what they saw, they were pilloried for it at home. But the ended up making history simply by telling the truth.The American reporters who came to Vietnam in 1961 expected to write about an exotic little war in a country of tigers and elephants. What they found instead was a debacle in the making, in which American pilots flew missions illegally while their Vietnamese counterparts strafed the Presdential Palace. When they reported what they saw, they were pilloried for it at home. But the ended up making history simply by telling the truth. 1961-1975 - united states, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - press coverage - united states, war correspondents - united states, vietnamese, presidential palace -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book - Ten Years After Vietnam Today, Page, Tim, 1987
Long after the last spasm of the Vietnam War, the day tank no. 844 trundled through the Presidential gates in Saigon after a journey of over two throusand miles, the memories and experiences of this ferocious conflict continue to haunt a whole generation, East and West.non-fictionLong after the last spasm of the Vietnam War, the day tank no. 844 trundled through the Presidential gates in Saigon after a journey of over two throusand miles, the memories and experiences of this ferocious conflict continue to haunt a whole generation, East and West.vietnam, saigon -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Page, Tim, Ten Years After: Vietnam Today, 1987
Long after the last spasm of the Vietnam War, the day tank no. 844 trundled through the Presidential gates in Saigon after a journey of over two thousand miles, the memories and experiences of this ferocious conflict continue to haunt a whole generation, East and West.Long after the last spasm of the Vietnam War, the day tank no. 844 trundled through the Presidential gates in Saigon after a journey of over two thousand miles, the memories and experiences of this ferocious conflict continue to haunt a whole generation, East and West.vietnam - description and travel, vietnam - pictorial works -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Award - US Presidential Pin
Red, White, Blue stripe pin with "V" in centre for US President Citation to 35 TAC Fighter Wing Phan Rang - 2 SqnMetal "V"presidential citation, no 2 sqn, 35 tac fighter wing, phan rang -
Unions Ballarat
JFK: Reckless youth (Don Woodward Collection), Hamilton, Nigel, 1992
First volume biography of JFK. With contributions by friends and colleagues. Parts: 1. Boston beginnings 2. Making millions 3. Boarding school 4. Freshman years 5. The ambassador's son 6. Why England slept 7. Stanford interlude 8. Joining the US navy 9. Inga Binga 10. On the way to war 11. PT 109 12. Shipwrecked 13. Gunboat skipper 14. The home front 15. A hat in the ring 16. Election to congress Political-biographical interest - USA.Book; 900 pages. Cover: white background; colour photograph of John F Kennedy; white lettering; author's name and title.btlc, ballarat trades hall, ballarat trades and labour council, jfk, kennedy, john f, presidents - united states, politics and government - usa, assassinations, biography, election campaigning - presidential -
Melbourne Legacy
Certificate - Document, certificate, Presidents' Certificate
Lt-Colonel J.H.P. Eller was the second President of the Melbourne Legacy Club and followed H.E Cohen, the Foundation President. Eller's year of office was devoted chiefly to the consolidation of membership and is notable as a period when new ideas regarding the Club's future began to be entertained. The principle of "Preference to Returned Soldiers" and finding employment for them was no longer so important and it was recognised that a wider meaning might be given to the term "Legacy" by the undertaking of active work amongst the children of deceased soldiers. (Blatchford, Claude. 'Legacy: the story of the Melbourne Legacy Club'. Melbourne, W.D. Joynt, 1932. p.22)Presented to Peter Eller in recognition of his presidential service, a tradition which has continued to the present day for all retiring presidents.Rectangular in shape, clear glass, cardboard fawn coloured border, certificate white cardboard, black metal frame. Back, brown paper, brass coloured hanging wire."Melbourne Legacy Club, Presidents' [sic] certificate, J.H.Peter Eller, Year of Office 1924-1925 In commemoration of your service to Legacy, more especially in the office of president, this Certificate is presented with the sincere regard and thanks of fellow Legatees." Thomas W. White President Frank J. Doolan Secretary Written in black ink. Legacy badge at top centre.service award, past president -
Royal District Nursing Service (now known as Bolton Clarke)
Photograph - Photograph, Portrait black and white, c.1940
Jessie Isabel Henderson was President of the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) form 1924 until 1947. She was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for her welfare work. Jessie Isabel Henderson was a leader in all the welfare organizations in which she was involved, including the Melbourne District Nursing Society (MDNS) where she was elected as a Committee member in 1912. She was regarded as being "clear-sighted, level-headed, being able to see the right perspective when troubles arose" and having an exceptional memory. She was a representative on the newly formed Charities Board in 1923 and was elected President of the MDNS in 1924 and continued in this role until 1947. During this time she was involved with the formation of the Society's first Auxiliary; the founding, and later extensions, of the After-Care Home, the Society now being called 'Melbourne District Nursing Society and After-Care Home'. This involved many fund raising efforts for the purchase of property of the Nurses Home at No. 39 Victoria Parade, Collingwood and the building of the After-Care Home at No. 45. During her time as President the After-Care opened an Ante-Natal Clinic and a Women's Welfare Clinic, as well as the Society creating a 'Committee of Almoners' who assisted discharged patients from the After-Care to receive assistance from other organizations if required. The name changed to 'Ward Visitors' when an 'Institute of Almoners' was formed with newly trained Almoners. During the depression 1929-1933 she led the Society in extending its Midwifery and District services, including supplying milk for expectant mothers. Through the depression her philanthropy extended to, with the help of another, in assisting young ladies out of work. She sought sewing machines and material from businesses and set up a factory where the ladies were employed producing salable products. In 1933 Mrs. Henderson suggested the name of the After-Care Home be changed to the 'After-Care Hospital'; she felt using the word 'hospital' would aid with receiving grants and money from the public through appeals - this came into effect in 1934. In 1936 Jessie Isabel Henderson was made Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E) for her welfare work. Mrs. Henderson was unable to carry out her Presidential duties in 1947 due to ill health, and she resigned in 1948. She died on the 11th of January 1951. The After-Care Hospital dedicated wards 4, 5 and 6 in the Jessie Henderson wing in her memory. She is listed on page 180 in ‘Women Shaping the Nation - Victorian Honour Roll of Women, Vol 1, 2001’ Centenary of Federation 1901 - 2001 Black and white photograph of the head and shoulder view of Mrs. G.G. (Jessie Isabel) Henderson who has her wavy dark hair drawn back and is wearing a short necklace and a longer single string of pearls, She is wearing a black frock which has a square neckline.mdns, after-care hospital, melbourne district nursing society, rdns, royal district nursing service, mrs g.g. (jessie isabel) henderson -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, Annual Presidents Luncheon address, 2007
A copy of a speech given by President Bill Rogers to legatees when he was reconfirmed as President for a second year. He mentions a guest speaker Les Carlyon. Document was from a folder of documents donated to the archive by Legatee Bill Rogers that related to his time as President (March 2006 - March 2008).A record that presidential terms had increased to 2 years.Print out x 1 page of a speech given by President Bill Rogers at a legatee luncheon in 2007.presidents lunch, bill rogers -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Doyle, Edward and Lipsman, Samuel, The Vietnam experience: America takes over 1965-67 (Copy 1)
There were no presidential speeches proclaiming crusaders "to make the world safe for democracy" or days which "shall live in infamy".There were no presidential speeches proclaiming crusaders "to make the world safe for democracy" or days which "shall live in infamy".vietnam war, 1961-1975, da nang, 9th marines, 173rd airborne brigade -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Sutton, Ross, Australian Wwards Vietnam 1962 - 1991
This book is a record of those Australian servicemen who were awarded British and Foreign awards for service in South Vietnamnon-fictionThis book is a record of those Australian servicemen who were awarded British and Foreign awards for service in South Vietnamroyal australian navy, royal australian army, royal australian air force, campaing service medal, 1 rar, 1 apc tp., 105 field battery, 161 fd battery rnza, 3 fd trp (rae), 1 aust log spt coy, 161 recce flight, army distinguished service order, armed force honour medal, air medal for valour, british empire medal, bronze star, civil actions medal, commander of the order of the bath, commander of the order of the british empire, conspicuous gallantry medal (flying), distinguished conduct medal, distinguished flying cross, distinguished service order, distinguished service cross, education and cultural service medal, ethnic monorities medal, gallantry cross, george medal, legion of merit, life saving medal, military cross, military medal, military merit medal, meritorious unit commendation, national defence medal with bronze star, national defence medal with silver star, national medal of merit (civil), the national order of the republic of vietnam, navy service medal, presidential unit citation, soldiers medal, silver star, social welfare medal, staff service medal, training service medal, united states air force outstanding unit award, united states navy meritorious unit commendation, united states navy unit commendation, victoria cross -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Ward, Geoffrey C. and Burns, Ken, The Vietnam War: An Intimate History, 2017
What we remember, what we've forgotten - and what we never knew about America's least understood war, revealed in a riveting, richly illustrated volume based on the major ten-part documentary series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.The book is based on the film series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.What we remember, what we've forgotten - and what we never knew about America's least understood war, revealed in a riveting, richly illustrated volume based on the major ten-part documentary series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.vietnam war (1961-1975), president ford, north veitnamese troops, southeast asia, presidential palace, saigon -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Doyle, Edward and Maitland, Terrence, The Vietnam Experience: The Aftermath, 1975-1985 (Copy 1)
The date was April 30, 1975. The gates of Saigon's presidential palace had been left ajar, but the first North Vietnamese tank to arrive smashed throug the wrought-iron fence nonethelesss, as it dealing a final crushing blow to an independent South Vietnam.The date was April 30, 1975. The gates of Saigon's presidential palace had been left ajar, but the first North Vietnamese tank to arrive smashed throug the wrought-iron fence nonethelesss, as it dealing a final crushing blow to an independent South Vietnam. vietnam war - 1961-1975, saigon, fall of saigon, presidential palace, north vietnamese, south vietnam