Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Designating June 19 Annually as “Veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day” and Establishing a Recognition Ceremony.
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 adoption of a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING JUNE 19 ANNUALLY AS ‘VETERANS OF THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM ARMED FORCES DAY’ AND ESTABLISHING A RECOGNITION CEREMONY,” and provide direction.
BACKGROUND
At the March 13, 2024 City Council meeting, after the adoption of Resolution No. 5247 to recognize March 29 annually as American Vietnam War Veterans Day, Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen provided direction to place an item on the next agenda to designate a day to recognize the veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces.
The proposed resolution (Attachment 1) would recognize June 19 annually as “Veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day,” consistent with similar commemorations held in the past and currently throughout the United States to honor veterans of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam such as:
• South Vietnam Armed Forces Day
• Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Vietnam
• Vietnamese Veteran Armed Forces Day
• Veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day
Westminster and the Little Saigon area is home to many veterans of the Republic of Vietnam who fought in the Vietnam War. Many were prisoners of war, imprisoned and tortured by the communist regime. These veterans bravely fought to defend basic human rights, democracy, and freedom from oppression.
Therefore, in honor of the veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces, Mayor Nguyen would like to propose a reception be held annually at the first City Council meeting in June. This event would be an open invitation to all Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces veterans and would include cake and non-alcoholic drinks. Upon advanced request, an honorary certificate would be issued to each 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.”
In addition, a proclamation for “Veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day (Ngày Quân Lực Việt Nam Cộng Hòa)” on June 19 shall be issued annually.
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 that may be provided to the honorees. While a cost is contingent upon number of participants, staff estimates the cost to not exceed $600. 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, staff will move forward with preparing for a ceremony for the first council meeting in June.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager