Bipartisan Members of Congress Join Rep. Derek Tran to Honor Black April in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon

Washington, DC - On Wednesday, Rep. Derek Tran (D-CA) was joined by six bipartisan Members of Congress who gave speeches on the House Floor honoring the Vietnamese diaspora and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Watch the speeches HERE.

Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Young Kim (R-CA), Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Suhas Subramanyan (D-VA), and Steve Womack (R-AR) joined Rep. Tran to give remarks on the House floor in observance of Black April. Members of Congress paid tribute to the brave Veterans who fought to bring freedom and democracy to Vietnam, recognized the resilience of the Vietnamese refugee community, and honored their contributions to our country in the past 50 years.

"I stand here today to mark the most solemn day of the year for the people of the Vietnamese diaspora. Black April-Tháng Tư Đen-is not just a solemn day in history, it is a reminder of the day we lost everything-our homes, our livelihoods, and our beloved country," said Rep. Derek Tran. "I am honored and humbled by the trust the Little Saigon community has placed in me as the first Vietnamese American Congressman to represent the largest Vietnamese diaspora in the world. It is a privilege to share the story of my family and my community with my colleagues in Congress, and ensure that our history is never forgotten."

"I grew up with Vietnamese Americans who came to this country for a better life. Today, my home, Orange County, is proud to be home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, opportunity, and democracy," said Rep. Lou Correa.

"Today marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon," said Rep. Warren Davidson. "David Norman was one of the brave servicemen who evacuated over 7,000 Americans and allies from the United States embassy in 1975. During the withdrawal from Vietnam, Sergeant Norman was one of the 11 brave Marines who defended the U.S. embassy during this 19-hour evacuation. I rise today to commend David's patriotic service to our nation, and to commemorate this solemn anniversary. Let us never forget the bravery of our troops."

"Many of my constituents fled Vietnam in the fall of Saigon, and found Orange County in Southern California their new home," said Rep. Young Kim.I am proud to have witnessed many of them becoming very successful members of our society, thriving in all sectors that make America great, and I'm so proud to call many of them friends. Our Vietnamese American community knows well that we cannot take freedom for granted. So, to our Vietnam-era Veterans: welcome home. Know that your service protected freedom on the world stage, and we are very grateful."

"On this day 50 years ago, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, looked out across a vast ocean, as Saigon was falling behind them," said Rep. Sam Liccardo. "Among them was Helen, my constituent who watched as her aunt boarded a boat. Days later, she would also follow the path of Vietnamese refugees on to San Jose. Helen's journey was filled with horror and hardship, but rooted in hope-hope for a life of freedom and opportunity. We must honor her hope by living up to the promise of America, by fulfilling our democratic values, and by embracing those who come to America from around the world, earnestly seeking freedom as she did."

"Vietnamese Americans have become an integral part of our community, from public service and the arts to groundbreaking work in science, business, and education," said Rep. Suhas Subramanyan."Today, I recognize the strength, courage, and spirit of the Vietnamese community in Virginia's 10th District and across the country. And to our Vietnamese Veterans-welcome home."

"For countless South Vietnamese, the fall of Saigon was not only the loss of the capital, it was the loss of their country, their dreams, and, for many, their safety. Among the individuals was a young boy named Phi Nguyen, whose story I have the privilege of sharing with you today," said Rep. Steve Womack."Phi's story is not just one of survival, it's one of resilience, adaptation, and success. It is, at its heart, a multigenerational story of the American Dream-a dream that Phi and his father before him pursued with determination and faith in the promise of a better future. Today, on this anniversary of a day that changed the course of history for millions, I want to take a moment to honor one remarkable individual whose life journey embodies the spirit of the American Dream. Phi Nguyen-thank you."

Black April is a solemn time for the Vietnamese community to remember the sacrifices of those who fled their homeland in search of freedom, and to honor the resilience of the refugees who have rebuilt their lives around the world. Rep. Tran is the first Vietnamese American elected to the U.S. Congress from California and the son of refugees who fled communist Vietnam. California's 45th Congressional District is home to Little Saigon, the largest Vietnamese diaspora in the world.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California's 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.