Renton residents raise concern after wrong Vietnamese flag displayed; mayor apologizes and city pledges not to repeat mistake

Several Renton residents spoke during audience comments to say a city display for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month included the current flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam rather than flags representing the South Vietnamese refugee community. Speakers described the error as hurtful to refugees and veterans and asked the city for a formal apology and to display the South Vietnam (yellow flag with three red stripes) in future events.

Brian Do, who identified himself as a long-time Renton resident and a member of the South Vietnamese community, said the current Vietnam flag represents what he and others fled in 1975 and asked the city for an apology and correction. Linh Quyen, a former president of a local Vietnamese language school, said the yellow flag represents heritage and freedom for many refugees and asked the city to recognize it going forward. Ron Beasley, who referenced "Black April" and the mass displacement after the Fall of Saigon in 1975, urged recognition of the refugee community's contributions to the region.

Mayor Armando Pavoni responded from the dais, saying there was no intent to offend and apologizing for the mistake. "Certainly, it wasn't our intent to, create an issue or insult or not reflect a specific culture correctly," the mayor said, and added, "we won't make that mistake again." Community speakers urged the city to ensure future events use the correct flags and to engage with local Vietnamese organizations on cultural recognition.