2015 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 32
BY SENATOR MORRELL
A RESOLUTION
To recognize the Vietnamese-American community of South Louisiana and to commend its
fortieth anniversary celebration and conference, "A Forty Year Journey: the Rise of
Vietnamese Americans", to be held on April 30, 2015.
WHEREAS, during the month of April, Vietnamese Americans will observe the
fortieth anniversary of the perilous journey that brought them and their predecessors to the
shores of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, these immigrants from the Republic of South Vietnam were composed
of fifty multi-ethnic groups such as the Kinh, Tay, Hmong, and Montagnard, with eight
distinct dialects and a mixture of unique social affiliations; and
WHEREAS, April 30, 1975, was a somber moment in world history, for on that date
the capital city of Saigon, South Vietnam, fell into the control of communist forces; and
WHEREAS, this event marked the beginning of a mass exodus of Vietnamese
citizenry, who, as political refugees, embarked on an unpredictable odyssey and were swept
halfway around the world to an unfamiliar land and language; and
WHEREAS, through international aid, Catholic charities, and the United States
Department of State, Vietnamese expatriates settled throughout North America, in particular,
near "fishing cultures" such as those along the Louisiana Gulf Coast; and
WHEREAS, today, as Americans by birth or as naturalized citizens, individuals of
Vietnamese ancestry have emerged as outstanding academics, tradesmen, technicians, and
business leaders who have carved a niche in service industries and who have contributed to
the state's economic well-being and social environment; and
WHEREAS, to commemorate this special occasion, conference organizers will
present panel discussions, guest speakers, and a film, The Last Days in Vietnam, a
documentary directed by Rory Kennedy; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the conference is to memorialize this historic event,
preserve ethnic identity, appreciate the beauty and artistry of Vietnamese culture,
memorialize the struggles of immigration from Southeast Asia, and celebrate continued
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prosperity in America; and
WHEREAS, conferees are invited to attend a series of special masses celebrated at
local churches, including Mary Queen of Vietnam Catholic Church in New Orleans East,
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Algiers, and St. Agnes Le Thi Thanh Catholic Church in
Marrero; and
WHEREAS, in the future, two new generations will recall the accounts of brave
expatriates who courageously fled oppression and sought asylum in a new country known
for opportunity and personal freedom; and
WHEREAS, community leaders and elders will preserve and pass on unique
traditions and meaningful customs to younger generations and foster the spirit of identifying
as Vietnamese; and
WHEREAS, during the past forty years, Vietnamese Americans have embraced the
American dream, overcome prejudice, hardship, and language barriers, and emerged as a
prosperous, viable, vocal, politically active segment of society; and
WHEREAS, Vietnamese Americans possess a dynamic history and culture; their core
qualities are forged from the most inherent characteristics, those of perseverance, strength
of will, intellect, courage, and a willingness to endure adversity in order to create a better
life.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby recognize the Vietnamese-American community of South Louisiana and does
hereby commend its presentation of the conference, "A Forty Year Journey: the Rise of
Vietnamese Americans" on April 30, 2015.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana looks
forward to the continued prosperity of the Vietnamese-American community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Cyndi Nguyen, executive director of the Vietnamese Initiatives in Economic Training
(VIET) Community Center.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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