Little Saigon Chronicles:
The History of "Little Saigon"
Thomas Nguyen
The article below consists of the following sections:
1- About the authors
2- Images and documentation
3- Notable details
4- Why Little Saigon and not Vietnam Town?
The best news for those interested in the history of Vietnamese refugees in Orange County and the establishment of Little Saigon: "Little Saigon Chronicles" has been published on Amazon in both paperback and ebook formats.
Until now, information about the origins and formation of Little Saigon (Westminster, California) appearing on social media has been limited and inaccurate.
1- About the authors:
The book cover lists two authors: Ngoc Ha and Du Mien.
Both are well-known journalists in Vietnamese media.
They have been reporting since the early days when Vietnamese refugees first opened restaurants and markets in Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Westminster. This makes their records of Little Saigon's early days particularly valuable. The final page of the work includes complete details of both authors' journalism careers. (pages 291-292)
(The book's introduction notes that from the late 1970s until now, the journalist couple Du Mien and Ngoc Ha "drove through Bolsa Avenue, Downtown Little Saigon every day," allowing them to document everything in detail as suggested by the work's title: a chronicle of Little Saigon)
2- Images and Documentation:
On the first page, the authors list an extensive collection of photographers and sources of images used in the work. Additionally, the authors used English and Vietnamese press materials published from 1975 to present, accompanying each topic and milestone of events related to Little Saigon's formation.
These images have been permitted for use by the authors and owning organizations/websites. The book is copyrighted by the U.S. Copyright Office (Library of Congress).
The 292-page book is available in two formats: full-color white paper for $24.50 and ebook for $4.99, distributed directly through Amazon and global book distributors. Simply typing "Little Saigon Chronicles" into search engines (such as Google or Bing) will show all outlets selling this book.
When I researched further, I learned that all proceeds from book sales will be donated by the two authors to the VHV Foundation, a non-profit organization of the Vietnamese Library in Little Saigon.
Notable unique images:
- Images of religious leaders who initiated the establishment of "Vietnamese village" from 1975: Father Nguyen Van Tinh, Most Venerable Thich Thien An, Father Vu Tuan Tu.
- The formation history of the first churches, temples, holy houses, and meeting halls of familiar religions in Vietnam.
- Religious leaders who contributed to the formation and development of religions: Most Venerable Thich Tam Chau, Most Venerable Thich Giac Nhien, Most Venerable Thich Duc Niem, Most Venerable Thich Minh Man, Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan, Bishop Mai Thanh Luong, Father Do Thanh Ha, Father Thai Quoc Bao, Former Colonel Dang Quang Duong, Mr. Nguyen Long Thanh Nam.
- Bolsa Street before Vietnamese arrival (archived images from Orange County) compared with developed neighborhoods after Little Saigon (post-1975).
- The first Vietnamese-language newspaper overseas, published in the US in November 1975 (Hon Viet Magazine)
- The first Vietnamese-language newspaper in Orange County (now Little Saigon), California, launched in early 1976, with editorial office in Santa Ana (Tin Van Magazine)
- The first Vietnamese-language book published in the US: "3 Years in America" by Du Mien, printed in 1978 in San Diego, California.
- Jerry Brown, California governor visiting Little Saigon in 1979 photographed with co-author Du Mien.
- Pastor Lemuel Peterson Webber, founder of Westminster City (and his biography).
- Brief history of Westminster City, the city that sheltered Little Saigon.
- Ms. Joy Neugebauer, former Westminster Mayor and President of the Westminster Historical Society photographed with co-author Du Mien (2003). The photo shows that Du Mien was provided with documents by officials to write the work.
- The first Phone Directory published in Little Saigon (1984).
- Sister Rose Marie Redding (Lovers of the Holy Cross) major benefactor of many refugee generations since 1975, recounting her early days at Camp Pendleton helping Vietnamese refugees and later telling the story of how a Catholic priest helped the first 40 single young men to Westminster City. Co-author Du Mien interviewed this nun directly.
- President George W Bush, Vice President Dan Quayle visited Little Saigon.
- Former Emperor Bao Dai, former President Nguyen Van Thieu, former Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky in Little Saigon.
- The Republic Soldiers Fair held in Westminster (1982), later continued by the Student Association from 1983 to present.
- Tet Parade on Bolsa Avenue from 1983 to 2024.
The book documents numerous significant landmarks and events, including:
- The Bolsa Mini Mall (1977) with the "Bolsa Five Tigers" who encouraged Vietnamese from all 50 states to gather in Orange County (1978-1982)
- The grand opening of Asian Garden Mall (Phước Lộc Thọ) in 1986 (9 years after Bolsa Mini Mall), including groundbreaking ceremony photos, land grant deeds, and origins of various districts along Bolsa Avenue
- Tony Lam's interview with the Los Angeles Times supporting the "Chinatown" designation while opposing the "Little Saigon" name
- The Santa Ana district at First and Clara, featuring Le Quy Bien, the first business owner (November 1975), and other notable business owners including Colonel Huynh Van Ton, Captain Dang Giang Son, Attorney Le Tan Phuoc, Representative Le Tan Trang, Mr. Hua Trung Tin, Mr. Phan Giang, Journalist Dong Duy, Truc Lam Yen Tu temple (established 1978), Thien Tao garage, and NB Auto Bodyshop
- Actress Da Yen, former secretary to Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu, establishing a Republican Party office at Bolsa Mini Mall in 1979 to help Vietnamese prepare for U.S. citizenship
- Laszlo Nagy, Secretary General of the World Scout Movement's historic first visit to a Vietnamese Scout troop (1984)
- The first South Vietnamese flag raising at U.S. Marine Corps Camp Pendleton in 1979
- The first official South Vietnamese flag placement on Garden Grove city property in 2003
- The Orange County Register's (formerly The Register) coverage of Vietnamese New Year in 1981, including Rosa Wong's article titled "Little bit of Saigon: Asians making county like 'home'" - marking an early use of the Little Saigon name
- American media coverage of both opposition to and support for Little Saigon's establishment
- Rev. Nguyen Xuan Duc's account of KKK death threats for encouraging Vietnamese refugees to settle in Orange County
- Supervisor Harriett Wieder's attempts to expel Vietnamese refugees
- Councilman Frank Fry's discrimination against South Vietnamese veterans
Cases related to Viet Cong infiltration:
- Student Lam Van Minh's murder of Professor Cooperman at Cal State Fullerton
- Teacher Tran Van Be Tu shooting Tran Khanh Van
- Vietnamese protests against Dr. Pham Dang Long Co
- 64 days and nights of Vietnamese protests in Little Saigon against Tran Truong
Efforts to resolve opposition and gain government support in 1984 by the Truong Son weekly newspaper group, with encouragement and support from:
- Westminster Mayor Kathy Buchoz
- California Governor George Deukmejian
- State Senator Ed Joyce
- Orange County Board of Supervisors
- Dr. Edward Dundon, Ed.D., Garden Grove School District superintendent, and others
Notable supporters of Little Saigon's establishment from federal to local government, most prominently:
- Attorney Alan May (President Richard Nixon's lawyer)
- CIA Agent William Cassidy
Former Marine Stephen Cooper, with this touching note: "Stephen Cooper, a former Marine and his over 80-year-old friends often brought drinks to give to Vietnamese Americans participating in protests against the Viet Cong and CCP in Little Saigon. When he passed away, his portrait was enshrined at the Tran Hung Dao Temple, a Vietnamese hero who three times defeated the Mongol and Chinese armies. This temple is located right on Bolsa Ave, Westminster City." (page 142)
Historical documentation includes:
- Chinese-Vietnamese figures like Mr. Tran Quyen and Father Colonel Nguyen Lac Hoa
- Westminster Mayor Elden F. Gillespie
- All images and documents related to the campaign for official recognition of Little Saigon name (1988), from Pastor Nguyen Xuan Duc, Mrs. Mai Cong, and Journalist Du Mien to the group including Phung Minh Tien, Le Quang Cuong, Nguyen Van Van, Nguyen Tu Mo, etc.
- Westminster City's resolution recognizing Little Saigon
- California Governor's inauguration of "Little Saigon Next Exit" sign on June 17, 1988
- Detailed steps about Little Saigon Business District Committee and the campaign to place "Welcome to Little Saigon" monuments in Garden Grove, Westminster, and Santa Ana (2000-2004)
- Details about the campaign for yellow flag recognition initiated by Councilman Andy Quach in Westminster, with support from Councilman Van Tran (Garden Grove), later spreading to Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and hundreds of cities, counties, and states
- Details about Westminster, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana's campaign to stop Vietnamese Communist visits
- History of South Vietnamese and American flag poles in Little Saigon's Vietnamese neighborhoods (up to early 2024)
- History of adding Vietnamese street names under English street names
- History of the Vietnamese Library in Little Saigon
- History of the Vietnamese language teaching movement in Little Saigon
- History of the Vietnamese Interfaith Council in the USA
- History of the Overseas Vietnamese Journalists Association
- History of the Vietnam-US Military Personnel Monument
- History of the Boat People Monument
- History of the Tran Hung Dao Monument on Bolsa Avenue
- History of the Emperor Quang Trung Monument
3- Outstanding details:
The authors skillfully acknowledged Vietnamese refugees' gratitude toward the U.S. government, officials, veterans, and benefactors who wholeheartedly helped Vietnamese refugees from 1975 to present. Many images of these benefactors over nearly 50 years were presented and documented in detail.
The work explained why Westminster was chosen by Vietnamese people to establish Little Saigon:
Believing in the saying "good land attracts birds" and demonstrating that "Westminster's land was good" so birds came to rest (drawing from the proverb: Vietnamese birds perch on southern branches). The authors noted that when Westminster celebrated its 100th anniversary, Queen Elizabeth II declined their invitation. Meanwhile, Vietnamese refugees in Westminster successfully invited former Emperor Bao Dai and many U.S. and South Vietnamese leaders including President George W. Bush, Vice President Dan Quayle, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement Laszlo Nagy, President Nguyen Van Thieu, Vice President Nguyen Cao Ky...
The book includes a passage about gratitude: "Journalist Du Mien once dreamed of creating a museum for Little Saigon. The portrait of Reverend Lemuel Peterson Webber would be placed in the main position as the 'Than Hoang' (City God/Village God)." (page 117)
When Westminster residents opposed Vietnamese shops on Bolsa Avenue, Mayor Elden F. Gillespie personally met with co-author Du Mien to explain: "Councilman Elden F. Gillespie went straight to Saigon Newspaper to meet Editor-in-Chief Du Mien. He pointed to the sign right in front of Saigon Newspaper of Thanh My Restaurant, as a typical example of many other signs of Vietnamese stores in Bolsa Mini Mall and some nearby areas. He emphasized 'Because you don't use English on the signs, the local people feel uncomfortable.' After a pause, he continued, 'This is America, you have to use the language of the United States!'
“He suggested solutions, for example, "Nhà hàng Thành Mỹ" should add the word "Restaurant" so everyone understands that this is a restaurant selling (Vietnamese) food.” (page 173)
Little Saigon's formation was documented from when the "Bolsa Five Tigers" organized Lunar New Year firecracker celebrations on February 1, 1981. The Register newspaper photographed and published Little Saigon's initial map (page 76). The article's title "Little bit of Saigon: Asians making county like 'home'" has two historical connections:
- First, from "Little bit of Saigon" shortened to "Little Saigon"
- "Home" relates to Pastor Nguyen Xuan Duc's wish (told to co-author Du Mien): "You have a newspaper, so call on and encourage all of us Vietnamese to turn this place (Orange County) into our own 'home'. When traveling far away, Vietnamese Americans will say 'I want to go home'. 'Home' here in Orange County." (page 60)
The first Vietnamese restaurant owners weren't professional chefs. They and most early Vietnamese business owners in Little Saigon were former South Vietnamese military officers or officials.
Beyond chronological details of Little Saigon's formation, Little Saigon Chronicles also suggests and interprets Vietnamese traditional culture to help young people and those interested in Vietnamese culture understand:
- Why are South Vietnamese and American flags displayed throughout downtown Little Saigon on special days?
- Why does Little Saigon's logo feature three bamboo trees?
- Why do Vietnamese people call each other "đồng bào" (compatriots)?
- Why do Vietnamese people solemnly salute the national flag at community festivals?
- When did Vietnam's national flag history begin?
- Brief overview of Vietnamese refugee anti-communist resistance organizations since 1975.
4- Why Little Saigon and not Vietnam Town?
Today, the name Little Saigon has been adopted by many Vietnamese communities across the United States. However, back in 1980, when journalist Rosa Wong of The Register interviewed co-author Du Mien, he explained:
"Rosa Kwong: "Why is it called Saigon corner town, the new neighborhood?" Du Mien: "When the Communists forcibly took over the South (since April 30, 1975), they erased the name Saigon, the capital of the Republic of Vietnam. Now we are establishing this Vietnamese commercial district, and we want to name it Saigon. But our old Saigon was once the pearl of the Far East, praised by musician Y Van in the famous song: 'Saigon is so beautiful, oh Saigon, oh Saigon!' (Sài Gòn đẹp lắm, Sài Gòn ới, Sài Gòn ơi!) Today, with this small new street corner, we just want to recreate a little bit of the old Saigon, to alleviate the longing every day." (Page 78)
When the Vietnamese community in San Jose wanted to name their area Little Saigon, they had to engage in an intense months-long struggle to keep the name Little Saigon instead of Vietnamtown or Vietnamese Business District.
When the Communists seized South Vietnam, they erased the name Saigon.
Now, Vietnamese refugees have modestly restored the name Saigon as "Little Saigon." The implication is that this is just a small Saigon, a tiny Saigon, to forever preserve the beloved name that Vietnamese people cherish.
Not choosing Vietnamtown proved even more appropriate when, in December 2023, the Communist Vietnamese government sent Vuong Dinh Hue to inaugurate a Vietnam Town in Thailand (in Udon Thani City).
I am writing this article during Thanksgiving. I thank the two authors of Little Saigon Chronicles and recommend everyone to read this valuable historical work.
THOMAS NGUYEN
Los Angeles, Thanksgiving 2024
LINK TO ORDER THIS BOOK:
https://www.amazon.com/LITTLE-SAIGON-CHRONICLES-Ngoc-Mien/dp/B0DGYWZGB6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I8YEABTKA735&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GNaNluq4D6EO_Q6WxtYfg-jChRcKMTzR8QhK-9Qou5a8BxLEOfaulkDwz8NTsPJD5xxC2KZtVnTmk6m9ob5bllBI1BmRAFA66t6g2oHmgbmg81LJpK3EWT7orEf_6hS3NH97VLG8j7LpR2geflDlVL3AArowFaKW0dxCVddPxIFR-XEN_FcT5UYKaWyBv83--A-HJtY4PgF29VI5hJoxLA.qdhfgwhHkvEqT6haSmpkzizjiSInssLxGR5UjVitmdk&dib_tag=se&keywords=little+saigon+chronicles&qid=1737233428&s=books&sprefix=little+saigon+chronicles%2Cstripbooks%2C142&sr=1-1
PLEASE READ THE VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION:
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