Thousands Observe Historic Anniversary at Varied O.C. Events

Amid angry words and flag-waving expatriates, about 20 Vietnamese Americans staged a 24-hour hunger strike on Bolsa Avenue Saturday to mark the 20th anniversary of the day enemy tanks rolled into the streets of Saigon.

Several blocks away, the talk was of peace and prosperity for some 70 million people of Vietnam, enhanced by the soothing voices of a Catholic youth choir.

Although the approach varied among the thousands who gathered Saturday at about half a dozen events to commemorate the fall of South Vietnam, the purpose was the same--to teach the young and comfort the old.

James Minh Nguyen, 20, a UC Irvine sophomore majoring in biology, spent the day carrying on the fight that his parents had fought: “I’m here for one cause and one cause only, to fight communism. We must not forget that this marks the day that we lost our country to the communists, that families were separated and that many soldiers lost their lives.”

For Huu Phu Tran, 55, of Santa Ana, the day’s event was a reminder that not all was lost in the war. “What we’re doing today is an example of that,” Tran said. “Even after 20 years, you still find (in Little Saigon) a very strong sense of purpose to do whatever it takes to let the world know that Communism is hurting our homeland.”

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Speaking to an audience of about 350 who clustered in the 9300 block of Bolsa Avenue to shout for democracy in their homeland, Hoi Nguyen, president of the Vietnamese Press Assn., said the day’s events should send a message to Vietnam’s leaders that Vietnamese Americans will not cooperate with them.

Although President Clinton lifted the trade embargo against Vietnam in February, 1994, many expatriates still oppose any economic ties with Vietnam, contending that the move would strengthen a regime that does not recognize human rights and basic freedoms of speech and religion.

After Hoi Nguyen’s speech, about 200 placard-toting expatriates marched a few blocks down Bolsa Avenue, which was lined with American and the Republic of Vietnam flags. Many donned colorful khan dong headpieces and ao dai , a traditional garment that is split on both sides and worn over silk pants.

“We know that some people have criticized us for our relentless efforts for human rights in Vietnam,” said Diem Do, who helped to organize the march. “To them, we say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with activism in a community, especially if what we’re doing is for the right cause.’ ”

In 1975, thousands of Vietnamese flocked to Southern California to take advantage of its economic opportunities, cultural diversity and warm weather. Today, Orange County is the hub of economic and cultural activities for a Vietnamese community of 100,000--the largest outside Vietnam.

Hundreds of Vietnamese businesses are based in Little Saigon, including radio stations as well as music video production companies that distribute their products all over the world--including Vietnam.

The county is also home to the first Vietnamese immigrant to be elected to public office, Westminster Councilman Tony Lam.

“April 30 is a dark day for our community, for our country and for the Vietnam War,” Lam said. “And let us take this opportunity to remind ourselves and our American allies that we should all re-examine our thoughts and our policies toward the communist regime to make sure that we are doing what’s best for its people.”

Auxiliary Bishop Michael Driscoll of the Diocese of Orange, who spoke to about 1,500 who congregated Saturday at the Vietnamese Catholic Center, said: “The fruits of that first year, and the 20 years since, are realized today.”

Driscoll said he is proud of the Vietnamese immigrants, many of whom were sponsored by the church 20 years ago and have since successfully assimilated into American society.

“You have entered our hearts, shared our homes and will always remain a part of us,” he said.

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Thanh Dang is among the numerous success stories woven into the 20-year story of Vietnamese immigration to the United States.

Dang, 22, escaped by boat in 1983 and arrived with “nothing but determination” to make something of himself.

He is now a mechanical engineering student at Cal State Northridge and will return home to visit his parents and four siblings this summer for the first time in 12 years.

“I want democracy for Vietnam so that when I graduate, I can go back with a clear conscience and help our people,” Dang said.

Marching along with Dang under a warm, sunny sky Saturday was Christopher Robin, a college friend who plans to go to Vietnam within two years to teach English. Said Robin: “The goals of freedom and democracy are very good, and I’m all for it. I think what’s also important is that we must also fight to preserve the culture and the heritage of Vietnam.”

And that’s just what organizers of Saturday’s events had hoped to accomplish.

Along with the freedom march and the religious rituals, art and literature exhibits drew hundreds who wanted to teach their children about Vietnam. At UC Irvine, students gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember what happened two decades ago.

But at least one expatriate doesn’t need April 30 to remember what she lost. All she has to do is close her eyes and the images of her homeland appear.

Said Van Nguyen, 63, of Santa Ana: “My dream is to return to my homeland before I die. But I don’t think that is possible since I can’t return while the communist flag still flies over my beloved country.

“I am hoping now that my children will be able to return someday for my sake.”