local
This haunting portrait reveals the suppressed history of marriages long considered taboo
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 14, 2026
· 5 min read
By Jacqui Palumbo, CNN
(CNN) — Beneath a diaphanous white veil, four family members sit together on tan leather chairs, the woman in the center holding a baby in her arms. They gaze pointedly at the viewer, their concealed-yet-visible state a potent metaphor. Now in their 60s, they are the chil...
Key takeaway Now in their 60s, they are the children born from a Japanese soldier and Vietnamese wife in the years that Japan occupied Vietnam during World War II.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , a city with a rich history of cultural exchange and military presence, the story of Japanese soldiers and Vietnamese wives resonates deeply. The experiences of these families, born from taboo unions, echo the complexities of identity and belonging that many El Pasoans face. As a community with a strong military presence, El Paso has a unique understanding of the sacrifices made by families of service members, including those who have faced social hardships and separation. The photographer's use of the white veil as a symbol of matrimony and silence also speaks to the city's own history of navigating cultural and national identities. El Paso's proximity to the US-Mexico border and its status as a cultural crossroads make it a place where stories of identity, community, and belonging are constantly being written and rewritten, much like the stories of the families in Phan's "Re/cover" series.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Jacqui Palumbo, CNN
(CNN) — Beneath a diaphanous white veil, four family members sit together on tan leather chairs, the woman in the center holding a baby in her arms. They gaze pointedly at the viewer, their concealed-yet-visible state a potent metaphor. Now in their 60s, they are the chil...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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