Press Release: Vietnamese Americans Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Saigon’s Fall
On April 30, Vietnamese Americans in Southern California will mark the 50th anniversary of Saigon’s fall to North Vietnamese forces, an event etched in history as Black April. Approximately 50,000 refugees found refuge at Camp Pendleton after the war, many of whom later established roots in Westminster, giving rise to Little Saigon. The Vietnamese population in Orange County has dramatically increased from about 19,300 in 1980 to representing roughly 7% of the county today.
Reflecting on her escape at just 13, Linh Vo recalled the chaos of that fateful day. Her family’s journey symbolizes one of the largest diasporas of the 20th century, influencing everything from culinary traditions to political representation. The community’s resilience has forged a powerful political force, with representatives at every government level, as discussed by reporters Hanna Kang and Kaitlyn Schallhorn.
Meanwhile, new generations of chefs are shaping Southern California’s culinary landscape, moving beyond Little Saigon. Community leaders like Frank Jao and Tony Lam have played pivotal roles in this transformation. As the anniversary approaches, these stories remind us of the profound impact of the Vietnamese community in Orange County.
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