Rep. Derek Tran Displays Vietnamese Heritage Flag in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45) raised the flag of the former Republic of Vietnam, recognized around the world as the Vietnamese Heritage flag, outside his office in Washington in observance of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. This display honors the legacy of the fall of Saigon, also known as Black April, and serves as a reminder of the strength of the Vietnamese community in the face of adversity.
“The fall of Saigon in 1975 forever altered the lives of generations of Vietnamese families,” said Rep. Derek Tran. “Fifty years later, this flag has become much more than a reminder of what we lost on Black April–it is a symbol of freedom, of the unwavering hope and determination that carried our community from tragedy to triumph. As the only Vietnamese American Member of Congress, and the first to represent the world’s largest Vietnamese diaspora, I’m proud to display our Heritage flag and share the history of Black April on the national stage.”
On April 30, 1975, North Vietnam’s oppressive communist government took hold of the South, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to abandon their home country on fishing boats in search of freedom. Over 260,000 men and women laid down their lives in defense of what this flag stands for: freedom and democracy. Refugees escaping brutal repression often flew the flag of the Republic of Vietnam from their boats–a symbol of their unshakeable will to be free. Black April is a solemn time to recognize the lasting impact of the first mass exodus from Vietnam fifty years ago, and to pay tribute to those who perished at sea seeking democracy abroad.
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.
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.