Dear Walmart Superstore,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing on behalf of the majority of the Vietnamese
American community in Fairfax to respectfully request the inclusion of the Republic of
Vietnam flag in your stores displays honoring cultural heritage and historical remembrance.
The Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) flag – the yellow flag with three red stripes –
symbolizes the perseverance and resilience of the Vietnamese people. For Vietnamese in
exile, it has also become a symbol of hopes, dreams, and the sacrifices made in the quest for
Freedom.
The Vietnam War profoundly impacted both Vietnamese and American communities.
Following the war’s end in 1975, a significant number of South Vietnamese endured many
years in prisons, suffering unfathomable torture and starvation under the Communist regime.
Those who were not imprisoned began a mass exodus to escape persecution and repression,
facing harrowing journeys by sea or by land, with hundreds of thousands perishing in the
process.
The stories of these struggles are not distant echoes of history; they resonate with the
families and descendants who now proudly call America home.
For many Vietnamese Americans, the South Vietnam flag symbolizes the hopes, sacrifices,
and resilience of millions who sought freedom in America. It holds profound emotional
significance for those whose parents and grandparents fled communism to rebuild their lives.
Exclusively displaying the flag of the Vietnamese Communist Party in your stores or in public
settings can evoke painful reminders of trauma, loss, and oppression, leaving our families
feeling invisible, as their history, suffering, and perseverance remain unacknowledged.
It is also crucial to recognize that over 58,000 American soldiers sacrificed their lives during
the Vietnam War, with over 1,600 still missing in action. Their sacrifices were deeply
intertwined with the hope of preserving freedom for South Vietnam. Including the South
Vietnam flag honors not only Vietnamese Americans but also the memory of those brave
American soldiers who fought alongside them.
We are deeply honored that since 2003, several American governmental bodies across this
nation have adopted resolutions recognizing the former flag as the “Vietnamese Heritage and
Freedom Flag”.
Lastly, we are not seeking political endorsement but rather a meaningful acknowledgment of
our historical and cultural identity. Incorporating the South Vietnam flag into public heritage
displays, educational programs, or cultural celebrations would validate a shared history and
bring visibility to a resilient community that significantly contributes to American society.
We sincerely hope you will consider this request with compassion, understanding, and
respect for the diverse narratives that shape our community.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter of utmost importance to the Vietnamese
Americans in Fairfax County and in the USA.
Warms Regards,
Hoang Duc Long
The President of the Vietnamese-American Community
of Washington D.C, Maryland & Virginia (VACDMV)
E-mail: CDVNDMV@gmail.com
Tel: 240-688-20
