"On Healing Land, Birds Perch" Film Screening in San Jose

The Vietnam War had produced many narratives in the forms of memoirs, historical accounts, military analyses, political assessments, and fictional novels.  One estimate suggests something like 30,000 books have been written about the topic.  From the fictional "The Quiet American" by Graham Greene, sandwich in between  by the brilliant observations of the Vietnam War from the lens of Vietnam ancient history in "Fire in The Lake" by Frances Fitzgerald, to the Vietnamese diaspora and their postwar angst and gaslighting in "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen, one can peruse every genre to find whatever interpretations that help make sense of the war and its aftermath.

But there are really only a few photographs that defined the war bookend by photojournalists Eddie Adam's  " Saigon Execution"  and Hubert van Es' photograph of a helicopter on a building in Saigon evacuating people.  

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, IRCC / Viet Museum in support of AANF and Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong is showing an award winning documentary directed by Naja Pham Lockwood about the postwar tribulations and triumphs of the victims of the iconic photo " Saigon Execution"

David Duong Dropped Defamation Lawsuit Against Hai Huynh

 David Duong, owner of California Waste Solutions, a major trash recycling company in the Bay Area, suddenly droppred his defamation lawsuit against Hai Huynh, a prominent businessman and community activitist in San Jose.

The lawsuit was prompted when in an email trail in early March of last year, Huynh mentioned that Duong is a communist lackey and a pro-communist businessman.  This was in reference to Duong and his many business ventures in Vietnam and close tie with Vietnamese government leadership.  For further reading on the lawsuit -

https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-businessman-hai-huynh-says-he-didnt-defame-embattled-ceo-david-duong-cal-waste-solutions/

On July 3,  the law firm Buchalter APC sent a request for dismissal without any fanfare.  Buchalter is one of the best law firms in US with over 540 lawyers and offices in major cities.   They also represent Duong  for his recent federal criminal bribery indicment.

https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-joses-recycling-hauler-criminally-indicted-on-bribery-charges/ 

In order to save face since he publicized the lawsuit against Huynh heavily for over a year now claiming that he would sue him for every penny,  Duong went on Youtube and declared that he had second thought and did not want to further divided the community.

Huynh is currently countersueing  him for legal fee costs in a frivolous case that many people in the community considered to be an act of intimidation by Duong who has always touted his poltical connection and influence with elected officials. 

Legal Complaints Against Deacon Nhut Ho and My Linh Pham (Valley Health Plan)

The Board of IRCC, the oldest Vietnamese-American nonprofit organization in San jose established in 1976, and its subsidiaries of Viet Museum in San Jose and Dan Sinh Media, just filed a legal complaint against retired Deacon Nhut Quang Ho at the Virgin Mary of La Vang Catholic Church,  My Linh Pham, an educational specialist for Valley Health Plan and founder of a nonprofit, Asian American Community Center of Santa Clara County, for unlawful attempt to take over IRCC and trying to destroy Viet Museum by spreading misinformation that are undermining the IRCC's efforts of preserving Vietnamese refugee history of the last 50 years.   

The complaint is also against Cuong Nguyen (owner of Pho Wagon), Hong Cao and Tue Quang Phan (retired administrative immigration judge).  

Left to righ:  Cuong Nguyen, Tue Phan, Hong Cao

The legal complaint seeks permanent injunction against the "Gang of Five" as they are known in the community from claiming to be board members of IRCC because they were not legally elected by members according to IRCC Bylaws; and therefore, they should not act as representative of IRCC and conduct affairs of the IRCC.  In the court filing, the evidence showed that Nhut Ho, My Linh Pham, Tue Phan, Cuong Nguyen were not elected by members of IRCC as required on an annual basis.  

Moreover, there were attempts to remove the former CEO / President, Loc Vu by spreading misinformation to Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors including asking the county for financial fraud  investigation against Vu.  The complaint was determined to be frivolous without basis.

The legally recognized Board of IRCC as filed under Secretary of State had tried to go through mediation to settle the matter amicable.  However, the"Gang of Five" could not agreed among themselves and decided to terminate the mediation.   

Late last year,  the illegal take over attempt of IRCC by the "Gang of Five" turned ugly as they failed. In a public display of rage,  Tue Quang Phan  wrote an open letter attack Vu, accusing him of stealing money from IRCC as well as nepotism despite the fact that their financial fraud complaint against Vu was rejected.

 https://littlesaigoninside.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-ironic-and-shameful-fight-for-viet.html

Deacon Nhut Ho is a controversial figure in the community and even within his own congregration https://sanjosespotlight.com/report-san-jose-festival-was-behind-the-scenes-nightmare/

Deacon Nhut Ho  

Some supporters of IRCC were disgusted and suggested such false accusations purposedly trying to damage Loc Vu's legacy should be taken to task with a defamation lawsuit.  

The irony is Loc Vu, 92, spent more than 46 years building IRCC to support the resettlement of the Vietnamese refugees in San Jose.  Along the way, he single handedly founded Viet Museum to help preserve the legacy of the Vietnamese-American experience in California.  

Just last April 27th, in a show of community outpouring support, over 230 people gathered at Santa Clara County auditorium to honor him.   Speaking at the event were  Congressmembers Sam Liccardo and Zoe Logren, State Senator Dave Cortese,  Assemblyman Ash Kalra, SCC Supervisor Betty Duong,  Pulitzer Prize author Viet Thanh Nguyen, novelist Andrew Lam, and many other members of the community. 

Press release by IRCC on the legal complaint.

The civil lawsuit as filed on August 14, 2025.  The full document can be download from the Superior Court of Santa Clara County.

Beyond Tradition - A panel Discussion

 

50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, April 30 1975

Everyone who grew up in Vietnam in the last 70-80 years probably was either taught in grade school or read in books about this poem.  The words are simple, yet they elegantly capture the embodiment of the Vietnamese spirit and how they see themselves.  The poem was written during the anti-colonialism movement as the country was at war against the French. 

Giờ Quốc sử

Những buổi sáng, vừng hồng le lói chiếu

Trên non sông, làng mạc, ruộng đồng quê,

Chúng tôi ngồi yên lặng, lắng tai nghe

Tiếng thầy giảng suốt trong giờ Quốc sử.

Thầy tôi bảo: “Các em nên nhớ rõ,

Nước chúng ta là một nước vinh quang.

Bao anh hùng thưở trước của giang san,

Đã đổ máu vì lợi quyền dân tộc.

Các em phải đêm ngày chăm chỉ học,

Để sau này nối được chí tiền nhân.

Ta chắc rằng, sau một cuộc xoay vần,

Dân tộc Việt sẽ là dân hùng liệt.

Ta tin tưởng không bao giờ tiêu diệt,

Giống anh hùng trên sông núi Việt Nam.

Bên những trang lịch sử bốn ngàn năm,

Đầy chiến thắng, đầy vinh quang máu thắm.”

Đoàn Văn Cừ (1913-2004)

The History Hour

Every morning, as the rising sun glimmers

across villages, rice fields, mountains, and rivers

We sat quietly listening to our teacher's voice

lecturing about our nation's history

He said: You should keep in your heart

We are a glorious and proud nation

Many heroes of the past have shed their blood

Together to build and protect our country

You must study day and night

To fulfill your ancestor's legacy

so that their sacrifices are not in vain

I am sure that after this vicious cycle of history

The Vietnamese people will once again be mighty

I believe our indomitable spirit will never succumb

Like never-ending heroes in the lands of Viet

and in the pages of our 4000-year-old history

In martyrdom, full of victory, full of glory.

Press Conference by IRCC Demanding the Opening of the Viet Museum

 

On April 22, IRCC management (the parent entity of Viet Museum) held a press conference in front of the SJ City Rotunda to demand the opening of the Viet Museum.  Attending the press conference were members of the Vietnamese news media, IRCC supporters, IRCC President Quinn Tran, and the President of the United Vietnamese American Community of Northern California,  Ha Trieu.

Quinn Tran, IRCC President (left), Thu Mong Hoang (Community Activist),
Tanya Thai Ha, IRCC Board (right)

The Viet Museum has been closed since December 2024.  History San Jose, the organization hired by San Jose City to manage Kelley Park and the buildings in the park (including the Viet Museum), decided to close the building since they could not determine the current legal operator /owner of the museum

According to the IRCC by-laws. the board shall hold an annual election to elect the board members by IRCC members.  IRCC was established in 1976 as a membership nonprofit where members paid annual dues.  The new board was elected by IRCC members in early January 2025.  According to the  Secretary of State's records,  Quinn Tran is currently the President and Board Member.  

To satisfy History San Jose's request for clarity of legal authority over Viet Museum,  Tran submitted to History San Jose relevant official documents regarding the current governance body and legal ownership of IRCC recognized by various state's agencies.  IRCC is the sole legal entity in the affiliate agreement with History San Jose.  IRCC has been in contract with History San Jose since 2007 as the parent entity of Viet Museum.  

Apparently, this was not enough for Bill Schroh, CEO of History San Jose.  He declared that he will not open the museum until he sees either a legal judgment or a written agreement signed by the new board elected by members in January 2025 and the alleged board that was trying to illegally take over IRCC from its founder, Loc Vu.

At the press conference and the subsequent public comment segment at the SJ City Council meeting on the same day, IRCC supporters and board members demanded that the Viet Museum be open so that all can access it, especially during the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. 

In the City Council Chamber, Ha Trieu spoke about the importance of the Viet Museum to the Vietnamese community's heritage and culture.  It serves as a significant institution to preserve and showcase the history of the Vietnamese exodus seeking freedom and the diaspora experience in Santa Clara County.   He also reminded the City Council that Mayoral Chief of Staff Jim Reed promised him publicly that he would help open the museum in February this year.

Thu Mong Hoang was last to speak and she said:

"... I stand before you not just as a cancer patient, but as someone who has poured heart, time, and resources into a cause that means the world to me—and to so many others.

Since 2012, I have devoted myself to helping build the Black Wall at the Viet Museum, a solemn tribute to the heroes who gave their lives for freedom. In 2020, I contributed again to the creation of the Quảng Trị Monument—another sacred symbol of courage and sacrifice.

These landmarks are not just pieces of history; they are the soul of a resilient community, a bridge for generations, and a testament to the sacrifices made in the name of liberty. And now, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the loss of our country, such a symbolic and meaningful milestone—this museum must not be silenced.

The thought of closing it down breaks my heart. It feels less like a decision and more like a punishment to all those who have fought, who have given, and who have remembered.

I humbly ask you: Please, keep the Viet Museum open. Let it continue to stand as a place of honor, of memory, and of hope."

In response to the lobbying and pressure from IRCC and community leaders, the City Council took a temporary measure allowing the museum to be open from April 30 to May 10.

In the meantime, an affiliate renewal with IRCC is due by July 1, 2025.  History San Jose already asked IRCC in an email: " If a legally validated governing organization is not established by that time, IRCC risks losing its affiliate status and occupancy of the Greenwalt House where the Viet Museum is located."

The issue facing IRCC is that the illegitimate board consisting of Nhut Quang Ho, Tue Quang Phan, Cuong Duc Nguyen, My Linh Pham, still claims that they are in possession of IRCC despite the fact that they were never voted in to be board members.  So far, they have refused to provide documents to prove their legitimacy and are unwilling to go through arbitration.   

To better understand why Viet Museum is closed, see the following link -

https://littlesaigoninside.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-ironic-and-shameful-fight-for-viet.html

 

Letter to Bishop Oscar Cantu about Viet Museum, Deacon Ho Quang Nhut, Reverend Khoa Vu

 On Fri, Apr 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM Quinn Tran <quinntran8@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Bishop Cantu,

It came to our (Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center/Viet Museum) attention that Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Church under the name of Reverend Giuse Vu Khoa and deacon Nhut Ho  will be hosting a Black April 50th Anniversary Commemoration event to be held on April 27th, 2025 at the Viet Museum, on the grounds of History Park in San Jose.  This is shocking and surprising to the members and the board of IRCC since it was previously explained to us by History San Jose that the event would be hosted by the Catholic Association, independently of IRCC but the public announcement stated otherwise.  

While we applaud the fact that the Vietnamese Catholic Church will be holding a solemn commemoration event, we object to the church’s claim that the Viet Museum is a co-organizer of the event.  IRCC is holding a separate event at the Santa Clara County Building on the same day. This causes confusion and anguish among the large Vietnamese community, especially for those that plan to independently visit the Viet Museum and the sacred monuments in front of the museum on April 27th.   None of the museum's displays or monuments should be used as the backdrop for the Catholic Association commemoration event as that will block public access for the citizens.

As a legally members-elected board of IRCC, we respectfully request that his Excellency clarifies and corrects the public claim that involves IRCC/Viet Museum in any organizational role with the leadership of the La Vang Catholic Church and/or Catholic Association.  Additionally we would refer to the attached letter from the founder of IRCC to the CEO of History San Jose for further clarification.  We request that the correction is made immediately as April 27th is only a week away.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your immediate resolution of this serious matter.

Respectfully yours,

Quinn Tran

Board member, President and Executive Director

IRCC – Immigrant Resettlement and Cultural Center

650 219 5659 

IRCCVietMuseum2025@gmail.com  or quinntran8@gmail.com

 Website:https://VietIRCC.org

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Giao Chi <giaochi12@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Apr 13, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Subject: Formal Protest Against History San José’s Complicity in the Turmoil and Seizure of the Viet Museum
To: Bill Schroh <bschroh@historysanjose.org>
Cc: <matt.mahan@sanjoseca.gov>, Reed, Jim <jim.reed@sanjoseca.gov>, Maguire, Jennifer <jennifer.maguire@sanjoseca.gov>, <leland.wilcox@sanjoseca.gov>, Rios, Angel <angel.rios@sanjoseca.gov>, Thai Ha <thaiha168@yahoo.com>, Frank Nguyen <franktnguyen@gmail.com>, Quinn Tran <quinntran8@gmail.com>, Nhu-Hanh Tonnu <nhuhanh.tn@gmail.com>, Phi Ha <khanhphi.ha@gmail.com>

From: Lộc Vũ

Founding President Emeritus
Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center, Inc.
(The Legal Entity Responsible for the Viet Museum)

To: Mr. Bill Schroh, Jr.

President & CEO
History San José
1650 Senter Road
San José, CA 95112

Dear Mr. Schroh,

I address you not from a position of authority, but from a profound sense of moral duty. Now residing in a nursing home and near the end of my life, I have relinquished any formal responsibilities with IRCC, Inc. and the Viet Museum; my title of Founding President Emeritus remains purely honorary. Yet the legacy I have devoted my life to—and the truth I must now proclaim—remain matters of utmost importance.

The Viet Museum is far more than a mere structure; it is a sanctuary of memory, history, and heritage for 180,000 Vietnamese Americans in Santa Clara County and for millions more both nationally and globally. It stands as a testament to the heroism of our soldiers, the enduring hope of the boat people, the resilience of re-education camp survivors, and the indomitable spirit of our community.

For 45 years, I labored to build the IRCC, and for 30 years I dedicated myself to the creation of the Viet Museum. I executed the original affiliate agreement with History San José, orchestrated campaigns, amassed invaluable artifacts, mobilized volunteers, and shared the narratives that define our collective heritage. The existence of the Museum today is the culmination of our community’s devotion and my life’s work - a legacy that no one can deny or distort.

Regrettably, this cherished institution is now being held hostage.

On December 23, 2024, you altered the locks and obstructed access to the Museum under the pretext of a governance dispute - a dispute that was amicably resolved on January 11, 2025, through a duly convened Membership meeting, wherein a new board was duly elected, my resignation accepted, and the requisite legal filings completed with the State. This transition was reaffirmed at the annual meeting of the Membership on February 26, 2025, and all pertinent documentation was furnished to you.

Yet, despite this lawful transition, you have continued to deny the Museum to its rightful leadership. While invoking the notion of “neutrality,” you have failed to compel those responsible for the sabotage—a faction lacking legal standing—to desist. In the sacred month marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnamese exodus and the commemoration of Black April, you have allowed these very individuals, who endeavored to unlawfully seize control, to orchestrate a major public event at the Viet Museum on April 27, 2025.

 In February, you stated that this April 27 event was organized by the Catholic Association and bore no affiliation with IRCC. Yet the above flyer now circulating among our community unmistakably confirms that the event is being led by the same self-declared “board” members who were not lawfully elected/reelected, who lack registration with the appropriate authorities, and who have failed to produce any governing credentials. 

Your continued claim of neutrality is, therefore, entirely indefensible.

Moreover, your inaction has precipitated widespread chaos and outrage. On the very same day that the legitimate and duly elected leadership of IRCC is hosting the 50th anniversary commemoration at the Santa Clara County Government Center—a solemn event planned in the true spirit of remembrance and community unity—an unauthorized group is staging a parallel event at the Museum itself, masquerading under the titles “IRCC” and “Viet Museum.” Here is the flyer of the real Viet Museum organization.