[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 17, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H3339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF VIETNAMESE AMERICANS

  (Mr. REICHERT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
extraordinary group of people, our Vietnamese Americans.
  This month, the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) 
introduced, and the House passed, an important resolution honoring the 
contributions of the Vietnamese Americans over the past 3 decades, 
enriching our society with diversity, culture, and strength. Madam 
Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman for his work on this 
important issue.
  Madam Speaker, 27,000 Vietnamese Americans live in my district of 
Washington State. One of the most remarkable experiences I have had as 
sheriff of King County in Washington, which I am now lucky enough to 
continue to represent as Congressman, is attending an annual event 
where South Vietnamese Police officers are recognized.
  When the United States pulled out of Saigon, many were left behind. 
Some were executed, some sentenced to prison camps, some starved and 
beaten to death, all for being friends of the United States. And each 
year, these Vietnamese, who spent 15 to 20 years in prison camps, stand 
and salute our flag with tears in their eyes because they know what 
freedom is. They remind us of how great our country is, and I am 
privileged and proud to represent them.

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