[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E717]]



 THE 23RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC FALL OF SOUTH VIETNAM TO COMMUNISM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, today it seems fitting that with the 23rd 
anniversary of the fall of Saigon to Communism, special recognition of 
the memories, feelings, and introspections regarding April 30, 1975, 
are in order. We must pay special tribute and remember the sacrifices 
of our soldiers and our Vietnam Veterans who fought and died in the 
name of freedom and democracy.
  Many Vietnamese experienced first hand the deprivation, humiliation, 
and fear associated with losing their country, their way of life, and 
their freedom. But all who left their Vietnamese homeland to come to 
the United States chose a life filled with uncertainty, change, and 
struggle over a life in their homeland under a Communist thumb.
  While I am at home visiting with my constituents, I am disheartened 
by the stories of their experiences during that conflict. It is often 
difficult to fully appreciate the extent to which these diligent people 
have survived all manner of disasters and trauma and have gone on to 
lead civil and productive lives.
  Mr. Speaker, we must continue to be vigilant to keep this memory 
alive in our hearts. We must tell the story of their brave sacrifices 
to our children and our children's children. We must ensure that the 
important cause that we fought for is not forgotten by future 
generations.

                          ____________________