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. 

2026 Black April Remembrance Ceremony

The City of Westminster invites you to our annual Black April ceremony on Thursday, 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. 

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