As a proud member of the Vietnamese American community and the California State Legislature, I was extremely disappointed last week when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors designated April 30th as “Jane Fonda Day.” This decision was insensitive and hurtful on a day that holds sacred significance for many in the Vietnamese community.
April 30th is widely recognized as the painful anniversary of the fall of Saigon in 1975, marking the emotional final chapter of the Vietnam War. Known in the Vietnamese community as “Black April,” this day is a day of remembrance to honor the sacrifices of approximately 250,000 South Vietnamese and 60,000 American soldiers who gave their all for the cause. be.
After the fall of Saigon, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese fled the brutal communist regime, many resorting to dangerous sea voyages, eventually finding refuge and a new home in Southern California. Many settled in the Little Saigon community in Orange County, just across the border from Los Angeles County, which grew to become the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam.
Every year, the Little Saigon community gathers on April 30th to commemorate the fall of Saigon. The City of Westminster held a solemn ceremony last week to reflect on the 49th anniversary of Black April and the lasting impact of the Vietnam War. Wreaths were laid at the city's Vietnam-US War Memorial to honor American, Vietnamese and allied soldiers and the resilience of the Vietnamese people in the face of horrific ordeal.
While Vietnamese and American soldiers fought bravely, Jane Fonda actively participated in North Vietnamese government propaganda. Nicknamed “Jane of Hanoi” for her controversial wartime activities, she posed against a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun that was used to target American pilots. Notorious for. This was extremely unpleasant for those who fled persecution in search of freedom and democracy and lost their loved ones.
By glorifying Fonda in Black April, the directors ignored the Vietnamese American community, America's Vietnam veterans, and countless others, compounding unhealed wounds. It is an insult to the memory of those who died and those who continue to live with the scars of war that this solemn day be overshadowed by the celebration of individuals who openly sympathized with the regime that caused so much suffering. This decision shows a lack of empathy for the Vietnamese diaspora and highlights the need for greater cultural awareness.
I urge the Supervisors to reconsider this decision, work closely with the Vietnamese American community to understand the pain they have caused, and remember this day with solemnity and respect.
Tori Ta is a Republican member of Congress representing Orange County.
