The city of Westminster in California’s Orange County is changing two entry signs in a predominantly Vietnamese American neighborhood to read Saigon, reports the OC Register.
The idea is to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and to honor the city’s large Vietnamese community.
“We want to honor the sacrifices of the millions of South Vietnamese and 58,000 Americans who lost their lives defending freedom,” said Mayor Tri Ta. The signs are being subsidized by donations and will not cost taxpayers any money, according to Ta.
The fall of Saigon lead to a huge exodus by South Vietnamese, many who escaped by boat. Some were lucky to be airlifted out by the US military. Stories of escape are a huge part of the experience of first generation Vietnamese Americans into the United States.
You can read more about how these street signs came about in the OC Register.