This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, a pivotal moment in history that led to one of the largest refugee crises of the 20th century. As South Vietnam’s capital fell, thousands of Vietnamese people fled their homeland, seeking safety and new opportunities. For many, the United States became a beacon of hope, and through resettlement programs, communities of Vietnamese refugees began to grow across the country.
North Carolina’s Vietnamese community is one such example of resilience and growth. What began as a small group of 32 individuals in 1975 has expanded into a vibrant and thriving community. This January 19, the community celebrated their 50th Lunar New Year Festival at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, a fitting tribute to both their cultural traditions and their journey over the past five decades.
Among the attendees were North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall and Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley. Marshall, who told AANN reporter she had came to the festival for many years, commended the Vietnamese community’s contributions to the state’s cultural diversity.
In our interview, the president of the Vietnamese Association emphasized the importance of preserving their cultural identity:
“Fifty years ago, we faced unimaginable hardships, but our community has persevered. Celebrating the Lunar New Year is not just a tradition; it is a way to honor our past, ensure our culture lives on, and inspire younger generations to carry forward our heritage.”
“I’ve been here every year since I was little”, one of the people we’ve interviewed said, “I’m so happy to see how much this community has grown throughout the years.”
“This is my first time here,” another attendee said, “and I love the culture and the food. I’m probably gonna come back next year.”
