Thy Cavagnaro was just a year old when her family fled Vietnam hours before the fall of Saigon in 1975.
Now an accomplished businesswoman, she will share her story of escape, survival, and gratitude to American service members during a Memorial Day Eve event on Sunday, May 25, in Trenton.
Cavagnaro will serve as the featured speaker at a day-long gathering at Trenton Thunder Ballpark dedicated to raising awareness for U.S. service members who are still listed as prisoners of war or missing in action.
The event is organized by Rolling Thunder, Inc., a veterans advocacy group that has spent decades pushing for full accountability of POW/MIA from past conflicts.
The annual demonstration runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features vendors, music and family-friendly programming.
A police-escorted motorcycle ride at noon will pass the New Jersey State House before continuing into Pennsylvania and through Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
Cavagnaro’s story traces her family’s harrowing journey aboard the Chi Lang 2, captained by her uncle, and escorted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet to the Philippines.
From there, they were transported to Guam and later resettled in East Brunswick, New Jersey, where a local church sponsored them.
“Today Thy Cavagnaro is an accomplished businesswoman who dedicates her time honoring Vietnam veterans, and works to educate our youth in a new appreciation for their country and for those who defend it,” organizers said in a statement.
Rolling Thunder was founded in 1995 by National Director Sgt. Artie Muller to advocate for veterans and demand government transparency regarding those unaccounted for in war.
Its charitable arm, Rolling Thunder Charities, provides financial support to veterans in need, with 96% of donations going toward direct aid such as rent, food, and utilities.
For more information, visit rollingthunder1.com or email rollingthundernational1@gmail.com or ElaineMartin.RollingThunderNatl@gmail.com.
Vietnamese refugee Thy Cavagnaro.,
