Chair Bowman opened a public hearing and work session on House Concurrent Resolution 34 on April 14, saying the measure designates April 30, 2025, as Vietnamese American Remembrance Day and would mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Representative Daniel Nguyen, state representative for House District 38, testified in support of HCR 34, describing the measure as “deeply personal” and urging the committee to back it. “I respectfully urge you, the committee, to support this resolution,” Nguyen said, describing his family’s refugee experience after April 30, 1975.

The resolution drew testimony from several lawmakers and community members who said the designation would honor veterans, refugees and the contributions of Vietnamese Americans to Oregon. Representative Thuy Tran (House District 45), who described herself as a Vietnamese refugee, said the day’s recognition “will help confirm that we need to commit to work to protect our democracy.” Lynn Oliver read testimony on behalf of Representative Hoa Nguyen (House District 48), who asked the committee to designate the date “in honor of Vietnam war veterans, refugees, and the Vietnamese American community at large.”

Second-generation Vietnamese American speakers and scholars also addressed the committee. Lillian Nguyen said the resolution “ensures that the lives lost, the journeys endured, and the communities built are remembered,” and Tuong Vu, founding director of the U.S.–Vietnam Research Center at the University of Oregon, said April 30 is an appropriate day “to commemorate our past endeavors and to look forward to the future.” Other witnesses included Larry Nin (reading for his father, Man Ngoc Nin), Alan Luklu, and remote testimony from Nhu Haines (NTH Consulting), each recounting family histories of migration and resilience.

Committee staff noted the bill had no fiscal or revenue impact. Vice Chair Pham moved HCR 34 "to the floor with a B adopted recommendation." The motion carried; the committee recorded that Representative Daniel Nguyen would carry the resolution to the House floor.

Why it matters: sponsors and witnesses said the designation recognizes the sacrifices of soldiers and refugees tied to the events of April 30, 1975, and establishes a day to reflect on the contributions of Vietnamese Americans in Oregon. The committee’s advance puts the resolution on track for consideration by the full House.

The committee closed the work session after the vote; the resolution will be scheduled for floor action.