The memory of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 remains so stark in the mind of the Vietnamese-American community that it still casts a shadow over the entire month. Hence, the name “Black April.”
Black April connects Lutherans in America and the Vietnamese people forever, because the Fall of Saigon led Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to mobilize like never before to connect nearly 80,000 Vietnamese with sponsors in the United States.
LIRS staff visited Orange County this April. There, we reaffirmed old bonds with many Vietnamese friends, honoring our shared memories, some of them difficult, but most of all the achievements of our friendship.
It is those bonds and achievements that we wish to recognize today, April 30, on this anniversary of the Fall of Saigon.
As part of the trip to Orange County during Black April, LIRS Vice President for Mission Advancement Stacy Martin was interviewed on SBTN. You can click here to watch Part I of her conversation with interviewer Victoria To Uyen. Part II can be watched by clicking here.