Rep. Quang Nguyen Honors Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day: A Personal Tribute to American Sacrifice

On Memorial Day, May 27, 2025, State Representative Quang Nguyen took to the podium at Prescott National Cemetery to deliver a deeply moving speech, reflecting on the sacrifices of American service members, particularly during the Vietnam War. A refugee from Vietnam, Nguyen’s message was not only a tribute to the fallen but also a personal reflection on his journey from a war-torn country to the United States.

Nguyen began by recalling his experiences, sharing that Memorial Day has a different meaning for him as someone who has witnessed the brutal realities of war firsthand. “There is somewhat of a different perspective on Memorial Day once you have been in a war and understand the true meaning of the ‘ULTIMATE SACRIFICE,’” he said, emphasizing the impact of those who fought to protect freedoms he came to cherish.

With the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon recently marked, Nguyen reminded the audience that his understanding of the Vietnam War is not just theoretical, but deeply personal. “More than 58,000 of your sons and daughters gave it all so I can stand here in front of you today,” he said, paying tribute to the American troops who fought on foreign soil to protect people like him, who were struggling under the weight of communism in Vietnam.

As a child, Nguyen saw American soldiers walking through the rice fields, a memory that would forever shape his perception of freedom and sacrifice. “I know from personal experience,” he said, explaining that his father fought in three wars, and his brother served as an airborne soldier during the Vietnam War. Nguyen’s childhood was also marked by the tragic loss of his cousins, two of whom were killed while serving as Rangers in Cambodia, and another who was executed in a concentration camp after the Fall of Saigon.

Nguyen’s reflection on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., revealed the emotional toll of the memories he carries. “For years, I couldn’t visit the Vietnam War Memorial… I felt responsible for getting those names etched on those walls,” he confessed. It wasn’t until 2016, during a visit with his wife and daughter, that he was finally able to confront the monument and experience the overwhelming emotions of paying his respects.

“I was emotionally drained and felt grateful—grateful to know that so many died for me, and grateful to be adopted by the most generous nation in the world,” Nguyen reflected on his visit to the Wall, an experience that profoundly shaped his sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by American troops.

Nguyen also addressed the families of the fallen, specifically the Gold Star families, who bear the heavy burden of loss. “You show us your strength and resilience, and that is a profound testament to the love and pride you hold for your loved ones,” he said, acknowledging that no one could truly understand the depth of their pain. He expressed his gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice, stressing that the nation owes a debt to these families.

In his closing remarks, Nguyen encouraged everyone to recognize that the true meaning of Memorial Day is not only about honoring the fallen with words, but through actions. “Our fallen heroes know sacrifice through giving. The rest of us know sacrifice through receiving,” he said. He urged his audience to honor the fallen by serving others, standing up for what is right, and ensuring their legacy endures.

“Freedom is not free. It is paid for by the brave,” Nguyen reminded those gathered, leaving them with a powerful call to action to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the liberties enjoyed by all Americans.