COUNCIL AGENDA : 4/7/2026
FILE : 26-418
ITEM : 2.17
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
CITY COUNCIL City Clerk
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: April 1, 2026
SUBJECT: Approval of the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Raising for District 7’s Black April Commemoration
Recommendation
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on April 1, 2026, approve the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Raising for District 7’s Black April commemoration scheduled on April 30, 2026.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Doan)
[Rules Committee referral 4/1/2026 - Item B.4]
TO: RULES AND OPEN
GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
FROM: Councilmember Bien Doan
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: March 26, 2026
Approved Date:
4/1/2026
SUBJECT: Approval of the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Raising for District 7’s Black April Commemoration
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag Raising for District 7’s Black April commemoration on April 30, 2026.
2. Place the item on the April 7, 2026 City Council Agenda for action.
BACKGROUND
The Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag, also known as the flag of the Republic of Vietnam, was first adopted in 1948 and features a yellow background with three horizontal red stripes, symbolizing the unity of the Vietnamese people across the north, central, and south regions. It became the official flag of South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Many Vietnamese communities around the world fly this flag on Black April to remember the loss of South Vietnam’s independence and to honor the struggles and sacrifices of those who fled or suffered under communist rule. Flying the flag serves as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope for freedom among Vietnamese people. It is both a solemn remembrance and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the community.
ANALYSIS
The display of the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag on April 30, 2026 is permitted under Council Policy 2-1, Section C.2 – Flags Displayed in Conjunction with Official Ceremonial Items: “Other flags may be displayed in conjunction with official actions, ceremonial items, or proclamations of the City Council.” Pursuant to Resolution Nos. 72679 and 78064, the City of San Jose recognizes the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag as the official flag of the Vietnamese-American community in San Jose.
RULES COMMITTEE: 4/1/2026
ITEM: B.4
RULES AND OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
March 26, 2026
Subject: Vietnamese Heritage & Freedom Flag Raising
PUBLIC OUTREACH / INTEREST
The Office of the City Clerk will post the item on the City’s Website for the April 1, 2026 Rules Committee Agenda and the April 7, 2026 City Council Agenda.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment.