April 30 is annually known as Black April, or "Tháng Tư Đen," and is a day to lament and reflect upon the fall of Saigon and of South Vietnam, which took place April 30, 1975. As many as 250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers and nearly 60,000 American soldiers died during the Vietnam War.

Approved through a resolution of the City Council in 2019, Westminster became the first city globally to recognize Black April Memorial Week in recognition of the Fall of South Vietnam to the North Vietnamese Communists. This is a special time for the residents of Westminster to remember the Vietnamese Communist take-over of South Vietnam, the countless lives lost during the Vietnam War and its tragic aftermath, and to continue the determination in advocating for a Vietnam that respects the human and civil rights of its own citizens.

Every year, the City flies the South Vietnamese flag at half-staff at the Vietnamese-American War Memorial at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park from April 23 through April 30. A commemoration wreath will also be placed at the memorial site. 

2025 Black April Remembrance Ceremony

The City of Westminster invites you to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon at our annual Black April ceremony on Wednesday, April 30th. Join us at 10 a.m. at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, 14180 All American Way, to honor the lives lost during the Vietnam War. The program will include remarks from elected officials, a wreath ceremony, and more. All are welcome.

Parking Information

Free Parking will be available in the parking structure located directly across from Sid Goldstein Freedom Park. 

Street Closure Information

The following street closure will be in effect on the day of the event, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

• All American Way will be closed between 13th Street and 15th Street

We kindly ask that all attendees planning to drive to the event enter eastbound from Beach Boulevard onto 13th Street to access parking.

Traffic will be restored on All American Way as early as safely possible following the conclusion of the ceremony.

Street Closure Notification Letter

Messages from Elected Officials 

Senator Tom Umberg, District 34

Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen, District 72

Supervisor Katrina Foley, District 2

Congressman Alan Lowenthal, District 47

Supervisor Andrew Do, District 1