[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC FALL OF SOUTH VIETNAM TO COMMUNISM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, April 30, 1975 marked the beginning of a 
treacherous boat journey for many Vietnamese who sought refuge in an 
unknown land and an uncertain future. These individuals risked 
everything for a chance to live freely and provide better opportunities 
for their children and families. I rise today to pay special tribute 
and recognize the valiant efforts to our Vietnam War Veterans and to 
the Vietnamese who fought and died for freedom and democracy in Viet 
Nam.
  Earlier this month, I traveled to Viet Nam to meet with 
representatives of the U.S. and Vietnamese government to express my 
concern for the lack of human, religious and political rights. During 
my visit, I met with several prominent human rights activists including 
Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, Tran Huu Duyen, the Venerable Quang Do and the 
Archbishop of Saigon, Pham Minh Man. I learned first hand that despite 
the release of several prisoners of conscience under a presidential 
amnesty in September 1998, public criticism of the government by 
dissidents is still not tolerated. The few who do speak out publicly 
and advocate peaceful reform continue to be harassed and imprisoned.
  As we recently witnessed, the protest that has taken place in Little 
Saigon, Orange County, California is a reminder to all Americans how 
sacred human rights, freedom and democracy are. For many, the display 
of the communist flag is a reminder of the pain and sufferings after 
1975.
  Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on this tragic day it is our duty as 
Members of Congress to honor the memory of the individuals that fought 
for liberty and democracy in Viet Nam.

                          ____________________