California Marks 50th Anniversary of Fall of Saigon

The 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon highlights the dramatic evacuation of over 130,000 Vietnamese to the United States following the city's capture by the People's Army of Vietnam on April 30, 1975. Critical events included rocket attacks on the U.S. embassy, the deaths of two American Marines, and Operation Frequent Wind, which involved hundreds of helicopter sorties to evacuate Americans and Vietnamese allies. Despite escalating danger and a rapidly deteriorating situation, the evacuation continued through the night until the final U.S. personnel departed from the embassy roof. The operation left a lasting impact on both Vietnam and the Vietnamese American community, particularly in California, where many refugees resettled. The legacy of these events continues to influence cultural and demographic landscapes in the U.S. today.