The Westminster City Council meeting on May 3, 2024, was marked by a passionate plea regarding the designation of April 30 as Jane Fonda Day. Community members voiced strong objections, emphasizing that this date is a solemn day of remembrance for Vietnamese and American lives lost during the communist takeover in Vietnam.
One speaker urged the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors to rescind the resolution, stating that honoring Jane Fonda on this day feels like "dancing on their graves" and "pouring salt in an open wound." The speaker highlighted the significance of April 30 for the Vietnamese community and veterans, calling it a day of pain and loss.
The call to action was clear: the community seeks respect for the sacrifices made by veterans and a reconsideration of the resolution that honors Fonda. The speaker criticized those who lack understanding of the experiences faced by those who fled South Vietnam, including torture and reeducation camps.
As the meeting progressed, it became evident that these discussions are not just about a date but about acknowledging the deep emotional scars within the Vietnamese American community. The council's response to this issue could have lasting implications for community relations and the recognition of historical trauma.