President Thieu
President Thieu
South Vietnam's Second Republic gets its first President. Nguyen Van Thieu stresses peace but offers no concessions to the Communists. Three Cong mortars explode outside the Inaugural Ball but Vice-President Humphrey and all guests escape injury. A black screen reads, "Inauguration - Thieu Sworn In, Stresses Peace." A large crowd gathers around a majestic building. A band plays. Soldiers and bystanders line a street. President Nguyen Van Thieu walks onto a stage where a large burning pot sits. In close-up, the President takes a stick from a soldier and performs a ceremonial lighting ritual. The President and his entourage walk amongst the crowd. They sit in box seats, while he gives a speech from atop an elevated stage. President Thieu walks towards his limousine.