[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1040-E1041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 342 
encouraging the designation of May 2, 2009 as ``Vietnamese Refugees 
Day''.
  H. Res. 342 expresses the support of the House of Representatives for 
a day to commemorate the arrival of Vietnamese refugees in the United 
States and document their harrowing experiences and subsequent 
achievements. May 2, 2009 has aptly been chosen for this day of 
commemoration since it also the date on which a powerful symposium 
entitled ``Journey to Freedom: A Boat People Retrospective'' is being 
sponsored by the Library of Congress and Vietnamese-American 
organizations across the United States.
  More than one million Vietnamese refugees left their home country 
following the Vietnam War. Many risked their lives fleeing peril and 
destruction on small, overcrowded ships. Others escaped by land to 
refugee camps throughout Southeast Asia. Over 22,000 of these 
courageous individuals settled in Minnesota and I am proud to say that 
many now call Minnesota's 4th District their home.
  Despite the difficult conditions they left behind, Vietnamese 
refugees have prospered in the United States. In Minnesota, and across 
the United States, Vietnamese-Americans have made their communities 
more prosperous and more vibrant. Today, Vietnamese-Americans are 
amongst the most distinguished contributors to the fields of 
literature, the arts, science and athletics in America. Vietnamese 
restaurants, retail services, and grocery stores have helped turn 
University Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota into a thriving business 
center.
  Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to recognize the great courage 
and achievement of Vietnamese refugees everywhere by joining me in 
supporting H. Res. 342.

[[Page E1041]]



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