Dear uNAVSA family,

Today, we remember a time in history that has influenced generations of Vietnamese people.  On this day 34 years ago, the Fall of Saigon marks the mass emigration from Vietnam by those seeking refuge from the War, marking the creation of the large Vietnamese diaspora and the divides, geographically and ideologically, that generations after continue to overcome.

As we reflect on this somber moment in our past, we take this anniversary to participate in the many events recognizing today and its lasting impacts.  In doing so, we learn from our family, our friends and our community about shared experiences: the trials, the hardships and our people not fortunate enough to see today.

Black April has become an anniversary where we not only remember and honor the past, but reorient our future.  Today, we find consolation in a renewed sense of purpose in the recognition of the motivations of the generations before us (and many in our own generation) that sacrificed blood, sweat and tears in search of hope and opportunity.  With the creation of the Vietnamese diaspora, we recognize the inequities and injustices our brothers and sisters continue to face across the world.  And we recommit and rededicate ourselves to advancing the movement against the marginalization and underrepresentation of our community.  Set against this context, our generation is measured against a higher standard, elevated by the courage of our parents, our boat people and our faithfully departed.

As we fill our April 30, 2009 with vigils, programs, conversations and stories, we should never forget that Vietnamese communities across the world are sharing similar experiences and that we are certainly never alone or isolated.

In unity and solidarity,
Brian Vo
uNAVSA President