United States Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) this week introduced a House resolution recognizing the significance of the 40th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon.
The resolution also honors the contributions of Vietnamese-Americans over the last 40 years, the service of U.S. and South Vietnamese forces who fought and died in Vietnam, and those who lost their lives attempting to flee the country.
On April 30, 1975, Saigon, the capitol of the Republic of Vietnam, was invaded by communist forces in an event known as ”Black April” or the ”Fall of Saigon”, which is observed in Vietnamese-American communities across the United States each year.
“Following the collapse, millions of Vietnamese were forced to leave their homeland in search of freedom,” states a press release from Lowenthal’s office. “Many found their way to the U.S., where today they comprise a strong, vibrant community that has given invaluable contributions to our nation.”
Lowenthal pointed out that April 30 is a day to commemorate one of the most somber moments for Vietnamese-Americans across the nation.
“This annual commemoration also serves as a celebration of survival, a remembrance of tremendous loss and a hopeful reminder of what the Vietnamese community has built in America,” he said. “Today, in communities throughout our nation, Vietnamese-Americans contribute daily to the tapestry of American life. This House resolution seeks to formally recognize the significance of the Fall of Saigon and what it continues to mean to millions of Americans. We must never forget the sacrifices that were made to fight for democracy.
Source: Lowenthal’s office
