Tai Dam

Tai Dam. . , Tai Dam are an ethnic minority group who considered Northwestern Vietnam to be their homeland. As communism descended on South Vietnam and Laos in the early 70s the Tai Dam feared retaliation for their anticommunist past. They evacuated to Thailand and campaigned for sanctuary and asylum. Governor Ray was the only governor willing to help. He agreed to resettle the Tai Dam in the state of Iowa. He created a refugee settlement program that lasted 35 years. The first group of 350 Tai Dam people arrived in Des Moines in October of 1975. Today, more Tai Dam live in Iowa than anywhere outside of Asia. Our population is estimated to be 6,000., Most of the Tai Dam have chosen to stay in Iowa because we are truly grateful to Iowans for opening their hearts and hands to help us in a time of need. Moreover, we never had a place or a land that we could call home. Now we do. We want to make a difference and contribute in any way we can to make Iowa the best state!, The Tai Dam are unusually police, respectful and hospitable. The children are taught from a young age to have good social behavior based on being respectful to their elders. They are taught to be independent and self-reliant. We are a people who are very sympathetic and full of humor, seeking any opportunity for a better life for our family and future generations., We will always remember that in 1975 the Tai Dam people sought refuge in the United States from countries torn apart by war. Governor Ray and the State of Iowa were the only ones to respond. The Tai Dam community has a great love and respect for Governor Ray. The Tai Village has a welcome center named the Robert D. Ray 'Tai House,' We will always look at him as "Our beloved hero and our Ray of Freedom.", –Som Baccam