Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2004 

CONTACT:
Hung Nguyen (877) 592-4140
Nam Pham (617) 448-9794

VIETNAMESE AMERICANS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY

The Vietnamese American community is deeply disturbed by comments made by Senator Evan Bayh, a Democrat from Indiana, and President George W. Bush. In this election year, Vietnam is often invoked for political gains. However, the contributions of Vietnamese Americans to the economy, to education, to social services and to defending fundamental human values have not been praised nor acknowledged.

On the September 16, 2004 edition of CNN’s “NewsNight with Aaron Brown,” the host asked Senator Evan Bayh, “Is it still inappropriate to use the term Vietnam, to start talking about Vietnam references?” Senator Bayh responded, “Well, Vietnam was a little bit different. That was a national struggle, and we were on the wrong side in that national struggle, or at least the side of -- we did not stand for a legitimate government there.”

On the September 27, 2004 edition of “The O’Reilly Factor,” O’Reilly asked President Bush, “The South Vietnamese didn’t fight for their freedom, which is why they don’t have it today.” President Bush responded, “Yes.”

Many former South Vietnamese and Montagnards fought alongside U.S. Armed Forces for freedom, the right to self-determination and a democratic system of governance. 1.2 million Former South Vietnamese and their children are living in the U.S. Without regard for any past or current administrations, Vietnamese Americans have supported the Vietnam Human Rights Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2001 (HR 2833: 410-1, Roll Call 335) and in 2004 (HR 1587: 323-45, Roll Call 391). We have had bipartisan support for our strong and continuing support for freedom and democracy.

The contributions and sacrifices of Asian Pacific Americans and Vietnamese Americans are being ignored. Vietnamese Americans labor as entrepreneurs to open restaurants, shops and businesses. Among minority-owned businesses, we employ 97,035 fellow Americans, with a payroll of $1.1 billion, and generate receipts of $9.3 billion. Vietnamese Americans are becoming more visible in sports, politics, media and philanthropy. In addition to the countless fundraisers across the U.S. in which Vietnamese Americans raised funds in the aftermath of the events of 9-11, a Vietnamese American gave $2 million dollars to the American Red Cross.

Vietnamese Americans have and will continue to sacrifice their lives to defend freedom and democracy. Vietnamese Americans fought in the Persian Gulf War and we are on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In an election where Asian Pacific Americans are being ignored, the Vietnamese American community will not be a silent minority when it comes to defending freedom and democracy in the United States and in the international community. As a refugee community that struggles and prospers with each opportunity, we understand the core values that enable us to believe in and persevere towards the American dream. We give thanks for living in a free and democratic society.

Supporting Organizations:
Da Hieu Youth Alliance * National Congress of Vietnamese Americans (NCVA) * Next Vietnam Foundation * Vietnamese-American Public Affairs Committee (VPAC) * Vietnamese Professionals Society – Washington, D.C. Chapter

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Founded in 1986, the National Congress of Vietnamese Americans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community advocacy organization working to advance the cause of Vietnamese Americans in a plural but united America –  e pluribus unum – by participating actively and fully as civic minded citizens engaged in the areas of education, culture and civil liberties.  (www.ncvaonline.org)

Vietnamese Americans who have died fighting in Iraq:

• Binh Le

• Victor R. Lu

• Sgt. Quoc Binh "Bo" Tran

Vietnamese Americans fighting in Iraq:

• Spc. Thao Bui