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Associated Press - December 25, 2009 11:54 AM ET
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A traveling exhibit of the Smithsonian Museum features the struggles and triumphs of Southeast Asian refugees in Iowa.
The exhibit, at the Iowa State Historical Building in Des Moines, coincides with the 35th anniversary of the year Iowa played a pivotal role in American's acceptance of the refugees.
Gov. Robert Ray opened the door for refugees to settle in Iowa starting in 1975, when America's involvement in Vietnam came to an end. The fallout led to years of South Asians fleeing the region, with thousands coming to Iowa.
The exhibit, "Exit Saigon, Enter Little Saigon: Vietnamese America Since 1975," will be on display through Feb. 28.
Ray, who was on hand to see the exhibit, says "never underestimate the goodness of Iowans."
Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com
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