TET parades have been held in Westminster in Garden Grove using the Republic of Vietnam flag (VAFSC photo).

U.S. Representative Derek Tran (D-45th District) has introduced a Congressional resolution honoring the significance of the Vietnamese heritage flag as an emblem of “cultural identity, freedom, and the struggle for democracy and human rights.”

The resolution formally recognizes the Vietnamese heritage flag as the official symbol of the Vietnamese American refugee community, and of the Republic of Vietnam veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in defense of freedom and democracy during the Vietnam War.

“The Vietnamese heritage flag is not just a reminder of a shared experience of loss among the Vietnamese community – the loss of our homes, our livelihoods, and our beloved country after the fall of Saigon – it’s a reminder of our strength, determination, and resilience,” said Tran.

His district includes all or parts of Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Buena Park and Yorba Linda in Orange County and Cerritos in Los Angeles County.

““Fifty years ago, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees, including my own parents, were forced to leave the only home they knew in search of freedom and democracy. Our heritage flag symbolizes the grit and determination rooted in our community, and how far we have come despite immeasurable odds. As the first Vietnamese American to represent Orange County’s Little Saigon in Congress, I am proud to introduce a resolution to formally recognize our flag, and I’m honored to carry our community’s legacy forward in Washington.”

The resolution is supported by 10 original cosponsors, including Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46), Dave Min (CA-47), Young Kim (CA-40), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Judy Chu (CA-28), Scott Peters (CA-50), Henry “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Grace Meng (NY-06).

The Vietnamese heritage flag, known as the “Cờ Vàng” (Yellow Flag), or “Viet Nam Cộng Hòa” flag, features a yellow background with three horizontal red stripes. The yellow flag is considered a sacred symbol among the Vietnamese diaspora, particularly among those who fled communism after the fall of Saigon in 1975, and is often displayed during cultural events, protests, and gatherings as a reminder of a shared history among the Vietnamese community.