Dallas-area Vietnamese remember fall of Saigon, South Vietnam during ceremony in Garland

Garland, Texas (The Dallas Morning News, May 1,2018): They will never forget Black April Day. That is what those who lived in South Vietnam call April 30, 1975 — the day Saigon and their beloved nation fell to the Communists.

The Vietnamese community in North Texas commemorated the date with a ceremony, parade, music and dance Sunday afternoon in Garland.

As South Vietnamese flags — yellow with red stripes — billowed in the wind, the tribute began with the singing of the Vietnamese and U.S. national anthems. The ceremony included the laying of a yellow and red wreath, a moment of silence in remembrance of those killed during the war and trying to flee the country, and remarks from community leaders.

“This is an uncomfortable day for us,” said Jason Ly, president of the Vietnamese American Community Center, who choked up as he talked about “fallen heroes.” Ly is president of the Vietnamese American Community Center.

After the ceremony, a parade wove through nearby streets. The tribute concluded back at the center with music and dance performances, food and fellowship. Jennifer and Thomas Nguyen, founders of the community center, helped organize the event, which drew many former members of the South Vietnamese military.

Garland has one of the largest Vietnamese populations in North Texas.