OC Political

April 30, 1975 marks the Fall of Saigon and South Vietnam into the hands of the North Vietnamese communists, and also marks the end of the Vietnam War. For the past 37 years local Vietnamese citizens, many of whom escaped Saigon by boat, have commemorated this solemn event. Over the years, fellow Americans and veterans of the Vietnam War have joined with them. It was no different on Saturday at the Vietnam War Memorial in Westminster, dedicated in 2003, where hundreds of people came out to remember that fateful day and celebrate freedom here in America. The program consisted of a beautiful display by the color guard, traditional music, inspirational community leader speeches, and a time of incense burning and prayer. Elected leaders also had the opportunity to each speak for a short time to to the crowd, including Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, State Senator Lou Correa, Assemblyman Jose Solorio, and Villa Park City Councilwoman Deborah Pauly.

The Republican Party was well-represented at the event by the American Dream Outreach Committee, which I chair, with committee members Cuong Cao, Chandra Chell, Charles Hart, Gina McNelley, Emily Sanford and myself in attendance. Our committee leader for this event was Cuong Cao, who heads up Vietnamese outreach for the committee. Cuong organized our efforts and guided us through our participation in the two programs on Saturday and Sunday. The party presented a wreath at the event on Saturday, as seen in the picture above. A certificate of commemoration was presented on behalf of the party by the Honorable Deborah Pauly and committee member Craig Alexander at the Sunday event, which was also attended by Cuong Cao and Emily Sanford. It was truly an honor for us to be involved, and we look forward to having an ongoing presence at future Black April commemoation events.