Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Establishing Annual Flag Ceremonies for “Vietnam Flag Reaffirmation Day (The Three Red Stripes Upon a Field of Gold)” (Three Days Prior to the First Day of the Lunar New Year) and “Flag Day” (June 14).
End
From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen
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, ESTABLISHING OFFICIAL CEREMONIES TO ANNUALLY COMMEMORATE ‘FLAG REAFFIRMATION DAY’ (THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR) and ‘FLAG DAY’ (JUNE 14),” and provide direction to move forward with the ceremonies.
BACKGROUND
This item is being requested by Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen.
At the January 24, 2024 meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5239, setting an annual day of reaffirmation to recognize the flag of the Republic of Vietnam, described as the flag with three red stripes upon a field of gold. This “Vietnam Flag Reaffirmation Day” is celebrated three days prior to the first day of the Lunar New Year.
For years, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Flag Day ceremony was held in the grassy area between the Council Chambers and Community Services Building. The Flag Day event gradually decreased in attendance and was eventually eliminated due to budget constraints and lack of interest.
Mayor Nguyen recognizes the importance of both the American flag and the South Vietnamese flag to the Westminster community. In order to properly honor the significance of the flags and what they symbolize, Mayor Nguyen is proposing that official ceremonies be held as the flags are raised on these days. These would be modest, open invitations coordinated by City staff to allow anyone from the public to join together in a flag-raising ceremony. There would not be an extensive official program, but rather a gathering with the council members saying a few words, and other acknowledgements made as necessary.
Staff will administratively determine the times in the morning to accommodate scheduling and other factors that may arise.
FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal impacts will primarily be related to staffing for these events.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
If the City Council adopts the resolution, official ceremonies will be held on these days annually.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 5239
2. Proposed Resolution
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager