Commemorate Soldiers Killed In Vietnam War At Holmdel Memorial

HOLMDEL, NJ — The Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel is partnering with the Republic of Vietnam Descendants to host a day of remembrance to honor veterans for their bravery and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony will take place on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, 1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel.

April 30 is known as Black April, or “Tháng Tư Đen,” and is a day when the living pays their respects to lives lost and reflect upon the fall of Saigon and of South Vietnam, according to Jaden Lam Phan, a spokesperson for the Republic of Vietnam Descendants.

“The anniversary has always been an extremely sad day for Vietnamese families, especially those who were forced to leave behind their beloved homeland to find freedom and democracy in other countries; many did not make it,” continued Phan. “While trying to escape the suppression and torture imposed by the Communists, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people died in prison camps, drowned in the ocean, or perished in the jungle. This is the reason we commemorate Black April.”

After the ceremony, there will also be a special commemorative event and appreciation luncheon.

Due to capacity limitations in the museum area, please contact the Republic of Vietnam Descendants by email at hdvnch2021ww@gmail.com or call Jaden Lam Phan at (917)-273-1455 to reserve your spot.

Thank you for reading! Have a news tip, correction or comment? Email vianella.burns@patch.com. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter here.