[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF SAIGON

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and 
recognition of the 34th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. This 
historical date commemorates the end of the Vietnam War, and represents 
the beginning of a new life for tens of thousands of Vietnamese people, 
as they began their hopeful journey to America. Thirty-four years 
later, I rise to honor the memory and the sacrifice of the hundreds of 
thousands of South Vietnamese soldiers, American soldiers and civilians 
who lost their lives during this time.
  After the fall of Saigon, thousands of Vietnamese began a treacherous 
exodus out of Vietnam, determined to rebuild their lives. Their daring 
escape was by boat and on foot, through thick jungles, over jagged 
mountains, through snake-infested rivers and across turbulent seas. 
They became refugees in many nations, including America, with nothing 
more than the clothes on their backs and the hope for freedom in their 
hearts.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who struggled for peace 
and freedom. I also rise in honor of local agencies and churches such 
as The Vietnamese Community of Greater Cleveland and the St. Helena 
Catholic Church, which offer havens of support, services and hope to 
immigrants from all over the world. The Vietnamese culture, through the 
care and commitment of its people, has flourished in Cleveland and 
across America, while remaining connected to its ancient cultural and 
historical traditions.

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