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2004.278; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
2004.278; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Saigon Staircase
2004.278; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
2004.278; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

Saigon Staircase

Artifact ID2004.278
Object Type Staircase
Date ca. 1966
Medium metal, paint
Physical DescriptionA pale blue metal staircase is attached to silver handrails.
Historical NoteDuring the Fall of Saigon in April 1975, American personnel and Vietnamese citizens ascended this staircase to the roof of the American Embassy in Saigon to board helicopters and flee the country. President Ford later reflected of the staircase, “To some, this staircase will always be seen as an emblem of military defeat. For me, however, it symbolizes man’s undying desire to be free.”Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe general public donated the item to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in 2004.
Credit LineGift of Fred Meijer
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesArtifacts Related to the Post-Presidential Life of Gerald R. Ford (620939)
Use Restriction Status Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
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