Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Recognizing March 29 Annually as Vietnam War Veterans Day and Establishing a Recognition Ceremony.
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Councilwoman Amy Phan West;
Council Member Carlos Manzo
Prepared by*: Christine Cordon, City Manager
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider the request to adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING MARCH 29 ANNUALLY AS VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY AND ESTABLISHING A RECOGNITION CEREMONY,” and provide direction to implement the program.
BACKGROUND
This item is being requested by Councilwoman Amy Phan West (District 1) and seconded by Council Member Carlos Manzo (District 2).
On March 29, 1973, the last American combat troops left Vietnam after 12 years, and the following year in a proclamation dated February 26, 1974, President Richard Nixon proclaimed March 29, 1974 as a day to honor Vietnam War veterans. Over the next few decades, proclamations have been issued
In 2017, Congress passed the National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day Act, designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Some states, however, have designated “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 29 or 30.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 2.7 million American men and women served in Vietnam, and during the war, more than 58,000 servicemen and women lost their lives. Approximately 5.65 million Vietnam War veterans are living according to a 2021 survey from the Census Bureau conducted through American Community Survey.
Westminster’s community is heavily influenced by the Vietnam War. Initially a bedroom community, Westminster was home to many members of the armed forces. After the Vietnam War, many South Vietnamese refugees found sanctuary in the homes and hearts of the Westminster community, eventually establishing a cultural presence known as Little Saigon. Westminster remains home to many American and South Vietnamese veterans and their families.
In honor of the Vietnam War veterans, Councilwoman Phan West and Council Member Manzo would like to propose a reception be held annually at the second City Council meeting in March. This event would be an open invitation to all Vietnam War veterans and would include cake and non-alcoholic drinks. Upon advanced request, an honorary certificate would be issued to each Vietnam War veteran. Individual certificates would not be presented at the meeting, but veterans in attendance would be acknowledged collectively. Certificates requested would be provided at check-in and mailed to those not in attendance. The light reception would take place prior to the regular session, and veterans would be honored during “Special Presentations.”
Staff will administratively adjust the schedule as necessary to accommodate any changes to the meeting dates or other unforeseen impacts.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be a cost for cake and non-alcoholic drinks, certificates, folders, postage, a commemorative lapel pin, and other materials provided to the honorees. While a cost is contingent upon number of participants, staff estimates the cost to not exceed $2,500. This will be expended from City Council - Special Department Expense account 10000-44020.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
If the City Council adopts the resolution and approves the establishment and implementation of the program, veterans will be recognized at the March 27, 2024 City Council meeting under “Special Presentations.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager