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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The observance of Vietnamese American Day at the |
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State Capitol on May 14, 2025, provides a welcome opportunity to |
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recognize the wide-ranging contributions that Vietnamese Americans |
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have made to the Lone Star State; and |
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WHEREAS, Texas has long been home to a vibrant population of |
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Vietnamese Americans, many of whom found refuge in the state |
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following the fall of South Vietnam in 1975; over the past half |
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century, Vietnamese Americans have become an indispensable part of |
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the state's social, economic, and cultural tapestry, and today, |
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Texas is home to more than 300,000 Vietnamese American residents; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Across the state, Vietnamese Americans have carved |
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out thriving hubs of cultural and commercial activity, including |
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Houston's Little Saigon, Austin's Vietnamese Business District, and |
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Dallas's Asian Trade District; these areas stand as enduring |
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symbols of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of |
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entrepreneurship; and |
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WHEREAS, The economic impact of Vietnamese Americans in Texas |
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is both profound and far-reaching, with their initiatives |
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contributing millions of dollars annually to the state's economy; |
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Vietnamese Americans are active in a range of business sectors and |
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are especially prominent in the fields of food service, health |
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care, and technology; and |
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WHEREAS, Vietnamese Americans have demonstrated a steadfast |
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commitment to civic engagement and public service, with many |
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answering the call to military duty, enhancing schools and |
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universities through their expertise as educators, and advancing |
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community well-being as medical professionals; and |
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WHEREAS, The preservation of Vietnamese cultural heritage |
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has significantly enriched Texas' multicultural identity; annual |
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celebrations such as Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, attract |
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tens of thousands of participants statewide, and feature lion |
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dances, performances, and other festivities that foster mutual |
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understanding; numerous organizations from the suburbs of Houston |
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to the bustling downtown of Dallas have dedicated their time and |
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efforts to maintaining Vietnamese traditions, language, and art to |
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ensure that younger generations remain connected to their heritage |
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while contributing to Texas' shared cultural legacy; and |
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WHEREAS, The story of Vietnamese Americans is one of |
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extraordinary perseverance, from the challenges of resettlement to |
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the triumphs of generational achievement, and their journey |
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reflects the ideals of courage, family, and community that resonate |
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deeply with the values of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize May 14, 2025, as Vietnamese American |
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Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those participating |
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sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable visit to Austin. |