South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) of Orange County joined her colleagues Reps. Derek Tran (CA-45) and Lou Correa (CA-46) in introducing a bipartisan resolution to recognize the 50th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. This event marks a significant moment in history, as many in the Vietnamese-American community reflect on the past.

Representative Kim, speaking on the House floor, highlighted the connection Orange County has with the Vietnamese diaspora. "Orange County is proudly home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, and many Vietnamese Americans I represent fled Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon," Kim stated. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging this history and expressed her commitment to support a future Vietnam that upholds human rights and freedom.

Representative Derek Tran offered his personal perspective, sharing, "Black April – Tháng Tư Đen – is not just a solemn day in history, it is a reminder of the day hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people lost everything — our homes, our livelihoods, and our beloved country." He recounted the struggles of Vietnamese refugees and the communities they have since established in America, urging a recommitment to core values such as democracy and human rights.

Representative Lou Correa reflected on the impact of the Vietnam War, noting, "Orange County is home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. As a member of Congress, I ask that we remember those one million Vietnamese individuals who were forced to flee from their homes." Correa stressed the importance of remembering both the Vietnamese refugees' plight and the nearly 60,000 American service members who lost their lives during the war.

Chairman and Founder of Sons and Daughters In Touch, Tony Cordero, also spoke on the commemoration. He honored the sacrifices of United States troops, saying, "Today, April 30, 2025, is a day to honor and thank all who were part of our nation’s efforts in the Vietnam War." He acknowledged the loss suffered by the Gold Star Families and extended gratitude to Vietnam veterans on this anniversary.

The full text of the resolution can be accessed for further details.