Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined fellow Orange County Reps. Derek Tran (CA-45) and Lou Correa (CA-46) to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.
Rep. Kim spoke on the House floor yesterday marking Black April. Watch HERE.
“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. As we mark the 50th anniversary of Black April, my heart is with our Vietnamese American community, the 2.7 million Americans who fought to protect Vietnam from communism, and Vietnamese people oppressed by the Vietnamese government,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to join this bipartisan resolution and will do my part as House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman to work toward a better Vietnam that upholds human rights and freedom.”
“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. Fifty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees were forced to leave the only home they knew – most of them boarding boats on uncharted waters, not knowing what awaited them on the other side of their journey,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “I share my own story with hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese Americans born to parents who fled our homeland with nothing. We have built communities in America that are unparalleled in their strength, prosperity, and commitment to preserving our history. As the first Vietnamese American to represent Orange County’s Little Saigon community in Congress, I am humbled by the responsibility to carry this history forward. As we commemorate this solemn milestone, I invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating this solemn milestone and recommit to the values that matter most — democracy, human rights, and freedom.”
“I grew up and live in Orange County. And 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, many of whom found safe haven right here in Orange County, and the nearly sixty thousand American service members who lost their lives fighting for freedom in Vietnam,” Rep. Lou Correa said. “We must never relent in our commitment to keeping alive the memory of those lost, protecting human rights, and defending democracy—at home, and abroad.”
“Today, April 30, 2025 is a day to honor and thank all who were part of our nation’s efforts in the Vietnam War. They include the 2.7 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen who courageously put boots on the ground when deployed to Vietnam and other southeast Asian nations supporting the war effort. We will always remember the 58,281 members of the US Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the war and whose names are now engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 1573 of those service members remain ‘Missing In Action.’ Today, America’s Gold Star Families – the parents, wives, siblings and children of those who gave their lives on those foreign shores – are the living legacies of 58,281 American heroes. On this 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, extend a resounding ‘Welcome Home’ and thank our nation’s Vietnam veterans. At the same time, stand in solidarity and support with the Gold Star Families whose family portraits and holiday meals were forever changed – by the empty space and unfilled seat – reserved for their loved ones who gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War,” said Tony Cordero, Gold Star Son of Maj. William E. Cordero, USAF – KIA June 22, 1965 in Vietnam/Laos, Chairman & Founder of Sons and Daughters In Touch – America’s Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War.
Read full text of the resolution HERE.
