HB366: HB366 State holidays; Heritage and Freedom Flag of the Former Republic of Vietnam Day; designate April 29 of each year

25 LC 56 0284 House Bill 366 By: Representatives Tran of the 80th, Williams of the 168th, Hitchens of the 161st, Griffin of the 149th, and Reeves of the 99th A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia A nnotated, relating to1 holidays and observances, so as to designate April 29 of each year as "Heritage and Freedom2 Flag of the Former Republic of Vietnam Day" in Georgia; to provide legislative findings; to3 provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 The General Assembly finds that:7 (1) The Former Republic of Vietnam was an ally of the United States of America during8 the Vietnam War;9 (2) South Vietnamese fled their homeland during the fall of Sa igon on April 30, 1975,10 many of those families making their home in this state;11 (3) Since the end of the Vietnam War, Vietnamese Americans have contributed in ways12 that affect all aspects of life in Georgia, including working as teachers, doctors, farmers,13 small business owners, athletes, engineers, religious leaders, attorneys, and more;14 H. B. 366 - 1 - 25 LC 56 0284 (4) As it is important for future generations to understand the history of service between15 the United States of America and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, it is important16 to recognize and honor the Vietnamese community in Georgia; and17 (5) It is, therefore, abundantly fitting and proper that the S tate of Georgia appropriately18 recognize and celebrate Vietnamese culture and tradition by designating April 29 of each19 year as "Heritage and Freedom Flag of the Former Republic of Vietnam Day" in Georgia.20 SECTION 2.21 Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to holidays and22 observances, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:23 "1-4-27.24 (a) April 29 of each year is designated as 'Heritage and Freed om Flag of the Former25 Republic of Vietnam Day' in Georgia."26 SECTION 3.27 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.28 H. B. 366 - 2 -