The children of Vietnam's Central Highlands live in two words: The old and new.

They were born after the war ended, but they're still surrounded by the reminders of the years when their nation was torn by bombs and firefights.

Craters in the Que Son Valley, the unmarked graves near Chu Lai and abandoned tanks and trucks are often seen throughout the country.

While the chilren are taught about the conflict in schools, they are being raised in a new Vietnam. There are factories and industrial parks and new hotels.

Nearly half of the people of the Central Highlands were born after the war ended in 1975, but they still carry on many of the traditions of their ancestors.

In places like the Song Ve Valley, the children go to school each morning, and in the afternoon they work in the rice paddies with family members.

They play soccer and frolic in the Song Ve River with water buffalo.

While there are foot bridges that span waterways, there are modern concrete and steel structures, too.

Gone are the thatched-roof huts that once lined dirt roads.

Now, there are bamboo-reinforced concrete and stucco homes with lights, televisions, and stereos.

While the country has moved into the modern world, it also is plagued by poverty and other Third-World problems that will challenge the new generation.

First Published October 26, 2003, 11:39 a.m.