The Vietnam War began in 1957 and ended in 1975.  Vietnam was divided into communist-ruled

North Vietnam and non-communist South Vietnam.  North Vietnam and some South Vietnam rebels

fought to take over South Vietnam.

    On January 27, 1973, a signal to stop firing guns in war (known as a "cease fire") was arranged.

On March 29, 1973, the last American troops left Vietnam.  The fighting began again soon

afterward, but United States troops did not return.  The war ended when South Vietnam

surrendered on April 30, 1975.