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County marks 50th anniversary of fall of Saigon, honors Vietnamese American community
Summary
Supervisors proclaimed a commemoration recognizing the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon (Black April) and highlighted Santa Clara County's history as a refugee resettlement site and the ongoing contributions of Vietnamese American residents.
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors presented a commendation marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and honoring the county’s Vietnamese American community for its contributions and resilience.
Supervisor Yong introduced the proclamation and recalled the county’s role as one of three congressionally designated resettlement sites for Vietnamese refugees in the late 1970s. "In Santa Clara County, it was different. It was through our community organizing ... La Raza, the NAACP, Japantown ... who made sure that we had home," Yong said.
Dr. Phuong Nguyen, chief medical officer speaking on behalf of Vietnamese employees, thanked the board and reflected on the community’s history: "Black April is etched not just in the pages of history, but in the quiet strength of our parents, our grandparents ..." He described the community’s transition from refugee camps to civic participation and county employment.
The board recognized county employees—past and present—who helped resettle refugees and invited community representatives and county staff to the dais. Several speakers noted Deputy County Executive Kee Le’s background and the county’s ongoing commitment to refugee and immigrant services.
The proclamation was presented as a ceremonial recognition; the transcript records speeches and gratitude but does not record a separate roll‑call vote for the item.
