Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout- - Resolution Day of Remembrance - 8/17/2010CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: August 17, 2010 ITEM NUMBER: ; 1X.4 SUBJECT: RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THOSE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN THE VIETNAM WAR DATE: AUGUST 11, 2010 FROM: CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION PRESENTATION ALLAN R. MANSOOR, MAYOR BY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: THOMAS R. HATCH, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, 714 754-5288 RECOMMENDATION: Mayor Allan Marisoor requests that the City Council adopt Resolution 10- recognizing a Day of Remembrance of June 19th for Overseas Vietnamese Veterans of the Republic of South Vietnam. 3flgKeweink"D The Mayor recently received a request to recognize, by resolution, June 19th as Overseas Vietnamese . Veterans of the Republic of South Vietnam Day of Remembrance. This Day of Remembrance is in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy, for the victims of the Vietnam War, and in honor of the survivors, activist, and freedom fighters. ANALYSIS: From 1961 to 1975, the Vietnam War brought about the loss of approximately. 250,000 soldiers of the former Republic of Vietnam/Republic of South Vietnam and 58,000 soldiers of the United States. The history of the Vietnam War offers an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of individuals, societies and governments. June 19th of each year is a recognized Day of Remembrance related to the former Republic of Vietnam's Armed Forces Day (June 19, 1965). California is home to thousands of people of Vietnamese heritage who immigrated to the United States after the fall of Saigon in 1975 and* now they contribute to the United States as American citizens. The attached Resolution seeks to recognize the continuing efforts of these Overseas Vietnamese Veterans of the Republic of South Vietnam that have fought side by side with United States soldiers for the ideals and values of freedom established by our Republic. The Resolution honors their service in the Vietnam War and thanks them for their contributions to the United States. Attachment 1 of this report is a copy of a U.S Congress Resolution honoring brave soldiers that served to further the cause of freedom in the Vietnam War. Attachment 2 is a copy of the proposed City Resolution as requested by Mayor Mansoor. FISCAL REVIEW: No fiscal review is necessary. LEGAL REVIEW: No legal review is necessary. C-ONGL-USIOW Mayor Allan Mansoor requests that the City Council adopt Resolution 10 - recognizing a Day of Remembrance of June 19th for Overseas Vietnamese Veterans of the Republic of South Vietnam. THOMAS R. HATCH Assistant City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1 US Congress Resolution 2 Resolution 10- CONURESS RESOLUTION ATTACHMENT HCON 322 RFS 106th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 322 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 11, 2000 Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the sacrifices of individuals who served in the Armed Forces of the former Republic of Vietnam. Whereas the Armed Forces of the United States and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam fought together for the causes of freedom and democracy in the former Republic of Vietnam; Whereas the Armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam suffered enormous casualties, including over 250,000 deaths and more than 750,000 wounded between 1961 and 1975 for the cause of freedom; Whereas many officers and enlisted personnel suffered imprisonment and, forcible reeducation at the direction of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Whereas on June 19 of each year, the Vietnamese American community traditionally commemorates those who gave their lives in the struggle to preserve the freedom of the former Republic of Vietnam; Whereas June 19 serves as a reminder to Vietnamese Americans that the ideals and values of democracy are precious and should be treasured; and Whereas, the Vietnamese American community plays a critical role in raising international awareness of human rights concerns regarding the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress -- (1) commends the sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam; and (2) applauds the contributions of all individuals whose efforts have focused, and continue to focus, international attention on human rights violations in Vietnam. Passed the House of Representatives July 10, 2000. Attest: JEFF TRANDAHL, Clerk. END ATTACHMENT 2 RESOLUTION NO. 10- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR OVERSEAS VIETNAMESE VETERANS OF THE FORMER REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM (REPUBLIC OF SOUTH VIETNAM). THE -CITY -COUNCIL OF -THE CITY OF COSTA MESA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, from 1961 to 1975, the Vietnam War brought about the loss of approximately 250,000 soldiers of the Republic of South Vietnam and 58,000 soldiers of the United States for the cause of freedom; and WHEREAS, thousands of Overseas Vietnamese Veterans of the Republic of South Vietnam now reside in the United States and participate in activities sponsored by American veterans including Memorial Day; and WHEREAS, all veterans that risked their lives fighting for freedom should be honored for their distinguished service in the Vietnam War and now they contribute to the United States as American citizens; and WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa recognizes the importance behind the principles of individual freedom in a just society promoting human rights and dignity, and WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa is proud to support this Resolution in recognition of the continuing efforts of the Overseas Vietnamese Veterans of the Republic of South Vietnam to have all cities recognize June 19th as A Day of Remembrance for Americans and South Vietnamese who fought side by side for the ideals and values of freedom established by our Republic. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, the Costa Mesa City Council does hereby resolve that June 19th is Overseas Vietnamese Veterans of the Republic of South Vietnam Day of Remembrance, in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy, for the victims of the Vietnam War, and in honor of the survivors, activist, and freedom fighters. ATTACHMENT 2 PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of August, 2010. ATTEST: Julie Folcik, City Clerk Allan R. Mansoor, Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Kimberly Hall Barlow, City Attorney