Golden West College hosted a commemorative event recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, inviting faculty, staff, students, and community members to reflect on a significant moment in Vietnamese and world history. Local news station NBC4 covered the event, with Hetty Chang reporting (view news segment)
GWC President Meridith Randall and Coast Community College District Trustee Phu Nguyen delivered opening remarks, and Chau Thuy, President and Founder of the Vietnamese Heritage Museum, gave the keynote address, sharing both historical background and his personal story. GWC ASPIRE Program Coordinator Jolynna Dang was the organizer and MC, and provided an overview of the Fall of Saigon’s long-term impact on Vietnamese communities.
The event concluded with a performance of “Sài Gòn Ơi! Vĩnh Biệt” (“Goodbye Saigon”) by Vietnamese language professor Tammie Tran and one of her students who played the guitar.
Attendees were invited to explore informational displays detailing the Fall of Saigon, the journey of Vietnamese boat people, and the conditions of post-war re-education and labor camps. Community members also had the opportunity to share stories and experiences connected to the event.
“Even for those who didn't live through the events, the opportunity to hear personal stories helped the audience connect and empathize,” said Dang. “Many members of the older Vietnamese generation said they were glad to see the school organize this event for the community.”
Dang also recalled a meaningful moment: “A gentleman in the audience presented a historic gift—an original newspaper clipping of the Fall of Saigon—to the President of the museum. It showed that the memory of this event still holds deep meaning for many.”
