Bill > SR0038

This resolution commemorates April 20-26, 2025, as Black April Memorial Week, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the subsequent exodus of millions of Vietnamese people. The resolution provides historical context about the war's devastating impact, noting that over 58,000 Americans and 275,000 South Vietnamese soldiers were killed, and approximately 800,000 Vietnamese refugees (known as "boat people") fled the country in subsequent waves between 1977 and the mid-1980s. It highlights the challenges faced by Vietnamese immigrants, who have since become a successful and well-integrated community in the United States, with more than 1.7 million Vietnamese immigrants now residing in the country and over 25,276 living in Michigan. The resolution aims to honor the sacrifices of Vietnamese refugees, recognize their contributions to American society, and teach future generations about the importance of freedom and democracy. It also acknowledges the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag as a symbol of unity and aspiration for freedom, and calls for remembering the resilience of the Vietnamese people during this significant historical period.

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SR-0038