Oregon House designates April 30 as Vietnamese American Remembrance Day

The Oregon House of Representatives voted to adopt House Concurrent Resolution 34 on April 30, 2025, designating April 30 as Vietnamese American Remembrance Day to mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

The resolution, presented and read on the floor by Representative Daniel Nguyen, recognizes U.S. and South Vietnamese veterans, honors refugees displaced by the end of the war in 1975 and highlights the ongoing contributions of Vietnamese Americans to Oregon. Members from both parties spoke in support, offering personal reflections and urging the House to adopt the measure.

Representative Daniel Nguyen, who said the resolution was “deeply personal,” framed the measure as a way to remember and teach the history of the Vietnamese American community: “We are hanging this resolution like a clock in the center of our house to mark our history and to celebrate the enduring contributions of Vietnamese Americans to the strength, diversity and spirit of our country.”

Several members described family and community histories tied to 1975 and the years that followed. Representative Tran, speaking as a refugee and descendant of refugees, urged the chamber to remember the human cost of war: “War is ugly, devastating, horrific. What is it good for? Nothing.” Representative Tran described how younger generations should learn the stories so mistakes are not repeated.

Representative Lewis, a Vietnam-era veteran, placed the day in historical context and spoke about the lasting costs of service: “For nearly 10 years prior to that time, American military advisers were in country assisting the South Vietnamese military. In the ensuing years, more than 58,000 American servicemen lost their lives… Nearly 800 Oregonians lost their lives.” He urged the chamber to honor veterans who did not receive a welcome home.

Other members shared local ties to the Vietnamese American community, recalled schools and families in their districts, and supported the resolution as a moment for reflection and community inclusion. Representative Winn closed by reading key passages of HCR 34 in Vietnamese and English on the floor and asking colleagues for their support.

The House then voted; the clerk announced that HCR 34 “having received the required majority is declared adopted.” Following adoption, Representative Daniel Nguyen noted the resolution will be read before the Legislative Assembly on April 30, 2025, and that copies will be delivered to community leaders and veterans organizations. A small reception for attendees from the Vietnamese American community was announced to follow on the capitol grounds.

Votes at a glance: HCR 34 — adopted (final tally not specified in the transcript).