‘Thanks, America’ : Rally Commemorates Vietnam Veterans and Assistance Given to Refugees in U.S.

A daylong “Thanks, America” rally attracted about 500 people Saturday to Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley to commemorate Americans who fought in Vietnam and to express thanks for the help given refugees here.

An organizer of the event, La Thoai Tan, admitted that he was disappointed by the turnout, which was expected to be in the thousands, but said the event will become an annual celebration. He said some people may have turned away because they saw security guards at the park’s entrance and erroneously thought there was an admission fee.

The crowd heard Vietnamese community leaders and local officials commend the immigrants for their progress in this country.

Tan told the crowd: “I am very proud of the Vietnamese community, except for the gangs. It was hard to adapt to the American culture, but I feel like I am part of the community.”

Matthew Pham, another organizer of the event, said: “We must contribute as workers and fighters to protect the freedom we enjoy. The Vietnamese history has taught us that if you want peace, prepare for war.” The event included food, games and amusement-park rides, but most people stood by the portable stage listening to speeches and enjoying entertainment provided by Vietnamese musicians, singers and folk dancers.

Sy Tran, 22, who fled Vietnam in a boat, said: “Mentally I would be more happy in Vietnam, but here there are more opportunities.”

Tran, who is studying mechanical engineering at Cal State Polytechnic in Pomona, said: “Vietnam is where your memories are and you were raised, but here you can be almost anybody. Except for President.”

Tran is a member of the Doan Phat Tu Sakyamuni, a Buddhist group that sang the Vietnamese national anthem at the event.