TITLE: Recognizing April 17, 2013, as Vietnamese American Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 17, 2013, as Vietnamese American Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, After the Vietnam War ended, a large number of Vietnamese refugees immigrated to the United States, and many moved to the metropolitan areas and coastal regions of Texas; and WHEREAS, These first-generation Vietnamese Americans worked hard and flourished in Texas, and now the state is home to the second-largest Vietnamese population in the United States, with more than 210,000 residents of Vietnamese descent, nearly half of whom live in the Houston-Sugarland-Baytown area; and WHEREAS, Vietnamese Americans have fully embraced the freedoms of speech and religion and all of the democratic principles that the United States offers; and WHEREAS, Vietnamese Americans have denied the authority of the Vietnamese Communist Flag and pushed for governments to officially recognize the Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag, which symbolizes both the Vietnamese cultural heritage and a deeply rooted resilience and yearning for democracy; and WHEREAS, Vietnamese Americans strongly support education, and their children are graduating from high schools and higher education institutions at high rates; and WHEREAS, The Lone Star State has benefited enormously from the contributions of its Vietnamese American residents; and WHEREAS, The Vietnamese American community plays a vital role in the business, professional, and cultural life not only of the Lone Star State but also of the country; the number of small businesses owned by Vietnamese Americans has grown substantially, and these firms have created more than 166,000 jobs nationwide, adding billions of dollars to the economy; in addition, Vietnamese Americans contribute to their communities in a myriad of ways, as teachers, lawyers, writers, actors, doctors, mayors, judges, and public servants; among the many Vietnamese Americans who have led notable careers are astronaut Eugene H. Trinh, former Dallas Cowboy Dat Nguyen, and scientist Nguyet Anh Duong, who developed the thermobaric weapon, which has been vital to United States military efforts; and WHEREAS, For many decades, people of Vietnamese descent have excelled in our society and economy, enriched our cultural tapestry, and helped enhance and secure the Lone Star State's reputation as a land of promise and possibility; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize April 17, 2013, as Vietnamese American Day at the State Capitol and extend to each visitor here for the occasion best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable day in Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special day. Ellis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 17, 2013.