House Resolution 76

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE BILOXI CITY COUNCIL FOR ITS UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO RECOGNIZE THE YELLOW AND RED FLAG AS THE OFFICIAL SYMBOL FOR BILOXI'S VIETNAMESE-AMERICAN COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, the yellow and red flag evolves from 40 A.D. when two sisters used a yellow banner to lead a revolt against Chinese occupiers and the red stripes have been added over the last two centuries; and

WHEREAS, when South Vietnam fell to communist North Vietnam in 1975, the unified nation's new flag became a red banner with a gold star; and

WHEREAS, the Biloxi City Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the yellow and red flag as the official symbol for the city's Vietnamese-American community; and

WHEREAS, many immigrants of Vietnam have made a new life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; and

WHEREAS, the flag has been endorsed by American veterans who fought in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, Biloxi's recognition of the yellow and red flag follows the example of cities in California and Washington that have passed similar resolutions; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize progressive cities such as Biloxi in their pursuit to recognize the history of its citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Biloxi City Council for its unanimous approval to recognize the yellow and red flag as the official symbol for Biloxi's Vietnamese-American community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Biloxi City Council and members of the Capitol Press Corps.