I would like to know the South Vietnamese perspective on America's role in the Vietnam War?
-Most South Vietnamese are extremely grateful of the American presence there. Economy was booming, it was thought to believe that if South Vietnam keeps that trend, it economy will beat or at least rival South Korea. Back then Saigon was nicked named "pearl of the Far East". Just for your interest, this is the picture of Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City now) before 1975 when American occupied:
http://clbnbtd.com/uploadtin/images/...71f7e80a_o.jpg
Pictures of Saigon after 1975 is rare, because communists strictly confiscated or destroy them, here is one that takes very long to search for:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/...42d1816296.jpg
But South Vietnam's love for America turned to despair after America withdrew from the war, you guys don't know how much pain and blood you guys caused by withdrawing from the war. North Vietnam claimed to have liberated South Vietnam from the oppression of the United States but they were there to punish. If you would like me to go into detail, I totally could.
About the hippy protest thing. I didn't hear anybody mention it but we wanted to stand on our own anyway. And the music in South Vietnam was also booming too. And no, I am not familiar with the Youtube video, as I said, I am the new generation and I answer questions based on my dad and grandpa's experience. I know that Elvis was popular back then lol.