Unified Nationalist Vietnamese Committee of Colorado (UNVCC) Celebrates 1^st Anniversary
By Nestor J. Mercado
October 23, 2000

The Unified Nationalist Vietnamese Committee of Colorado (UNVCC) successfully celebrated its first anniversary at King’s Land Restaurant on October 14, 2000. Attended by around 200 guests, the majority coming from the Vietnamese community, the event highlighted the achievements of this organization. Other Asian community leaders who graced the occasion included Dr. Hai Bui (representing Governor Bill Owens); Tom Migaki (for Denver Mayor Wellington Webb); Jean Moroye (for Bill Ritters); Ba Vovan (Denver Public Schools), Anita Khaldy (Asian American Voters Association), Yang Chee (Laotian Cambodian Coalition); Wendy Chao (Colorado Chinese News); Richard Lin (Taiwanese Association), Troy Ryan and Officer Binh Tran (District 4 Police Station) and Nestor and Elnora Mercado (Philippine/Asian American Times)

State and City dignitaries included Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder accompanied by his wife, Ann; State Senator Frank Weddig and Aurora Councilman Ed Tauer (for Mayor Paul Tauer); Greg Diamond (for Rep. Diana DeGette); Paula Wohler (for Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell) and Cindy Travathick (for Rep. Tom Tancredo).

Vietnamese dignitaries who attended the special event included Venerable Thich Chan Lac, Spiritual leader of the Vietnamese Congregation of Colorado; Mr. Sy Bui, President of the Vietnamese Congregation of Colorado and Linh . Duong, Case Manager of Refugee Center.

The program started with the singing of the American and Vietnamese national anthems led by Ms. Erica Francis Le followed by a moment of silence to honor the American and Vietnamese soldiers who died during the Vietnam war.

Thang Nguyen and Tung A. Nguyen jointly served as Masters of Ceremony. Mr. Thong D. Nguyen gave the opening remarks. The guest speaker was Dr. Duong Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese Community of Colorado. Mr. Sum C. Nguyen, UNVCC President, in his first annual report, described the remarkable achievements of the Committee for the year. As a non-profit organization, the Committee has promoted the interests and the culture of the Vietnamese Americans in Colorado. It has also vigorously promoted close relationship with other Asian organizations and state and local officials. They have now established a Community Center named after Nguyen Khoa Nam, a renowned general of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces who committed suicide when South Vietnam fell to the communists. During the year, they have held the following activities: teaching Vietnamese courses for their youth; Offering English classes for adults conducted by Mr. Michael Kemp; citizenship classes as well as orientation classes for new American citizens, particularly on the political process. Serving as an employment center for those seeking jobs, the Committee has assisted the ONSITE company in filling up needed positions. The UNVCC also had the support of law enforcement officers from the City of Aurora. Mr. Sum C. Nguyen gratefully acknowledged Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Rep. Diana DeGette and Sen. Frank Weddig for their help in reuniting family members with those still in Vietnam. Finally, Sum described the efforts of the Committee in establishing a Vietnamese cemetery in the Denver Metropolitan area.

Proclamations by the Mayors of Lakewood, Aurora and Denver were read, followed by remarks by distinguished guests. At this point, Nestor Mercado described the close relationship between the Philippines and Vietnamese refugees as evidenced by the successful establishment of the Vietnamese Village in Palawan, Philippines which he personally witnessed during his recent visit there.

The guests enjoyed the sumptuous, authentic Chinese luau. A very delightful entertainment, coordinated by Ms. Nguyet Toan, featured My Tin, Hung Ngoc Tran, Seiko Lee and Yen Nguyen who sang beautiful songs both in English and in Vietnamese. The famous Boulevard Band provided the music. It was a thoroughly successful celebration!