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Freedom, Hope, Future - Honoring Veterans & Celebrating Vietnam Culture

Saturday, April 26, 2025
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost:
Free
Add to Calendar 2025-04-26 09:00:00 2025-04-25 16:51:38 Freedom, Hope, Future - Honoring Veterans & Celebrating Vietnam Culture Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and Celebrating Vietnam Culture Join us as we honor Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifice and valor, and celebrate the history, resilience, and triumphs of Vietnamese refugees. On the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, gather with community members to hear how the Vietnam War shaped their lives. Hear firsthand accounts from individuals of all generations and stories of how hope transformed into reality. Immerse yourself in rich Vietnamese culture through thriving Vietnamese in our community. Honor Vietnam Veterans and Coin CeremonyVisual histories curated by the Chandler Museum and Vision GalleryLive storytelling from Vietnam Veterans and Vietnamese Refugees Crafts and activities for all agesVietnamese performances and cuisineSchedule of Events*9:30 a.m. - Welcome and Opening Remarks Mayor Kevin HartkeEvent will be Emceed by Councilmember Matt OrlandoPresentation of ColorsHamilton High School JROTCPlaying of the United States National Anthem and the Vietnamese National AnthemSpeech and Veteran RecognitionPresentation of Challenge Coins to Vietnam VeteransPerformanceBasha High School Asian Cultural Ethics (ACE)Live Storytelling: Voices of VietnamStories told by Vietnamese community membersAdditional Activities include: - Vietnamese food sampling- Youth activities provided by the Chandler Publc Library and Chandler Recreation- Oral history presentation by the Chandler Museum- Exhibitor booths*subject to change Parking Downtown Chandler has several free parking areas near City Hall. The closest parking is in the City Hall surface parking lot, or the City Hall parking garage on Washington Street. Parking in Downtown Chandler. Note Road Restrictions: Chicago Street will be closed from Arizona Avenue to South Washington Street. Arizona Avenue Closure:Northbound Arizona Avenue will be closed at the Loop 202 interchange from 10 p.m. Friday, April 25, through 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27.Southbound Arizona Avenue will be closed at the Loop 202 interchange from 10 p.m. Friday, April 25, through 5 a.m. Monday, April 28.DETOUR: Drivers may use Alma School or McQueen roads to reach their destination.Arizona Avenue Off-Ramp Restrictions:The eastbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Arizona Avenue will be reduced to one lane from 10 p.m. Friday, April 25, through 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26.The westbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Arizona Avenue will be reduced to one lane from 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26, through 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27. How were you impacted by the Vietnam War?The Chandler Museum is collecting oral histories about Vietnam and the Vietnam War. They are seeking people and family members of people who are from Vietnam to share stories about how they have been impacted by the Vietnam War. If you are interested in sharing your story, please submit it below and the museum team will connect with you. The Chandler Museum will be on-site at the event on April 26 if you are interested in learning more information. Translators will be available if needed.Submit Your Oral History  City of Chandler info@chandleraz.gov America/Phoenix public
woman in south vietnam

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and Celebrating Vietnam Culture

Freedom Hope Future branding

Join us as we honor Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifice and valor, and celebrate the history, resilience, and triumphs of Vietnamese refugees. On the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, gather with community members to hear how the Vietnam War shaped their lives. Hear firsthand accounts from individuals of all generations and stories of how hope transformed into reality. Immerse yourself in rich Vietnamese culture through thriving Vietnamese in our community. 

  • Honor Vietnam Veterans and Coin Ceremony
  • Visual histories curated by the Chandler Museum and Vision Gallery
  • Live storytelling from Vietnam Veterans and Vietnamese Refugees 
  • Crafts and activities for all ages
  • Vietnamese performances and cuisine

Schedule of Events*

9:30 a.m. - Welcome and Opening Remarks 
Mayor Kevin Hartke

Event will be Emceed by Councilmember Matt Orlando

Presentation of Colors
Hamilton High School JROTC
Playing of the United States National Anthem and the Vietnamese National Anthem

Speech and Veteran Recognition
Presentation of Challenge Coins to Vietnam Veterans

Performance
Basha High School Asian Cultural Ethics (ACE)

Live Storytelling: Voices of Vietnam
Stories told by Vietnamese community members

Additional Activities include: 
- Vietnamese food sampling
- Youth activities provided by the Chandler Publc Library and Chandler Recreation
- Oral history presentation by the Chandler Museum
- Exhibitor booths

*subject to change 

Parking 

Downtown Chandler has several free parking areas near City Hall. The closest parking is in the City Hall surface parking lot, or the City Hall parking garage on Washington Street. Parking in Downtown Chandler. 

Note Road Restrictions: 
Chicago Street will be closed from Arizona Avenue to South Washington Street. 

Arizona Avenue Closure:

  • Northbound Arizona Avenue will be closed at the Loop 202 interchange from 10 p.m. Friday, April 25, through 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27.
  • Southbound Arizona Avenue will be closed at the Loop 202 interchange from 10 p.m. Friday, April 25, through 5 a.m. Monday, April 28.
  • DETOUR: Drivers may use Alma School or McQueen roads to reach their destination.

Arizona Avenue Off-Ramp Restrictions:

  • The eastbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Arizona Avenue will be reduced to one lane from 10 p.m. Friday, April 25, through 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
  • The westbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Arizona Avenue will be reduced to one lane from 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26, through 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27. 

How were you impacted by the Vietnam War?

The Chandler Museum is collecting oral histories about Vietnam and the Vietnam War. They are seeking people and family members of people who are from Vietnam to share stories about how they have been impacted by the Vietnam War. If you are interested in sharing your story, please submit it below and the museum team will connect with you. The Chandler Museum will be on-site at the event on April 26 if you are interested in learning more information. Translators will be available if needed.
Submit Your Oral History