Anh Do/LA Times
The 40th anniversary fall of Saigon ceremony that was set to take place at Camp Pendelton in San Diego has been moved to Little Saigon over protocol prohibiting unrecognized flags to be flown on federal property. Vietnamese Americans living abroad only recognize the South Vietnamese flag and consider it a symbol of freedom. By federal guidelines, they would have to fly the flag of the current Vietnamese government, which the Vietnamese American community strongly protest against.
Organizers of a commemoration event planned for April 25 must find a new location that will allow them to fly the South Vietnamese flag that is not recognized by the current Communist government. Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
The event, which was chosen to be held at Camp Pendleton because it was one of the original sites that hosted over 50,000 refugees before they were resettled, will have to find a new location. Organizers said the flag was an integral part of the symbolism of freedom for the community and not being able to display it would negate the point of the commemoration ceremony. The event is planned for April 25 and had an expected attendance of 5,000.
Organizers are speaking with representatives to potentially host the event at Bolsa Grande High’s football stadium. Details will be announced as soon as logistics are finalized.
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