WHEREAS, From 1965 to 1975, the Vietnam War brought about the loss of approximately 250,000 members of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam and 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces fighting for the cause of freedom; and

WHEREAS, More than 300,000 members of the United States Armed Forces and more than 1,000,000 members of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam were injured; and

WHEREAS, After the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, more than 250,000 members of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam were sent to reeducation camps, where many spent up to 17 years in captivity and more than 20,000 died before they were released; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of veterans of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam now reside in the United States and participate in activities sponsored by American veterans, including Memorial Day, and today there are an estimated 100,000 veterans from the Republic of Vietnam living in California; and

WHEREAS, All veterans who risked their lives fighting for freedom should be honored for their distinguished service in the Vietnam War and for the contributions they provide to the United States as American citizens, and it is the intent of the State of California to honor the sacrifices, commitment, dedication, and courage of everyone who fought for the freedom of the Republic of Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes the importance behind the principles of individual freedom in a just society promoting human rights and dignity, and joins with the veterans of the Republic of Vietnam to designate June 19 as a day of remembrance for Americans and Vietnamese who fought side by side for the ideals and values of democracy; now, therefore, be it