APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBERS REBECCA KAPLAN & ROWENA BROWN
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LITTLE SAIGON COMMUNITY IN
OAKLAND AS A CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC CENTER AND
HONORING THE VIETNAMESE AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN PEOPLE’S
JOURNEY AND HISTORY
WHEREAS, on April 30, 1975, a pivotal day in world history, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), effectively bringing the Vietnam War to a close; and
WHEREAS, the war had a devastating human cost, with approximately 500,000 Vietnamese civilians and 58,000 United States soldiers killed during the conflict; and
WHEREAS, after the fall of Saigon, millions of Vietnamese refugees fled their homeland to seek freedom in other countries, with approximately 800,000 resettling in the United States, where they have contributed significantly to the cultural, economic, academic, political, scientific, and artistic landscape of our nation, adding their contributions to the nation’s multicultural fabric; and
WHEREAS, the Vietnamese community in Oakland plays a crucial role in fostering cross -cultural understanding and appreciati on, contributing significantly to a wide array of fields, including politics, academia, business, science and technology, health care and the arts; and
WHEREAS, the stories of migration, survival, and success from Vietnamese Oaklanders serve as a testame nt to the values of freedom, hope, and the American Dream.
The perseverance of the Vietnamese community in striving to flourish resonates throughout all of Oakland’s unique and essential communities; and
WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of April 30, 1975, s erves as an important moment for reflection on the sacrifices made by the previous generation of Vietnamese Americans in the United States . The se lessons of history will continue to guide future generations toward greater peace, freedom, and democracy; now , therefore, be it
2 RESOLVED: The City of Oakland honors and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and honors those who lost their lives during the Vietnam War; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland celebrates the Little Saigon Community as a cultural and economic center, and the Oakland Vietnamese community for their ongoing contributions to Oakland, and we reaffirm our commitment to promoting understanding, respect, and appreciation for the shared history and bright future of all who call this land home; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That we encourage all Oaklanders to join in the recognition of this cultural heritage celebration.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, GALLO, HOUSTON, JENKINS, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN,
AND UNGER,
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
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