The Vietnamese community in Pomona Valley held a Thanksgiving luncheon at the “Hope for Home” shelter in Pomona on November 24th (Sunday). Dr. Huu Dinh Vo, the chairman of the Pomona Valley Vietnamese Association and a long-time advocate for human rights activities, expressed gratitude to all volunteers and donors, as well as to the U.S. government for providing people with the opportunity to pursue freedom and success.
Dr. Vo shared his experience of escaping from Vietnam 49 years ago, boarding a refugee boat to seek refuge in the United States. He considers himself fortunate to have survived the communist regime and storms, while many friends and family members perished in Vietnam or at sea while seeking freedom. Dr. Vo emphasized the tragic loss of hundreds of thousands of lives at sea due to hunger, thirst, and storms, with some still unable to escape the authoritarian rule of the Communist Party. Despite feeling lucky to live in the U.S., Dr. Vo always remembers those left behind, imprisoned, and tormented by the Communist Party.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with fellow Vietnamese immigrants who sought freedom in the U.S., Dr. Vo highlighted the importance of helping those in need and sharing mainstream American values to safeguard freedom and democracy. The Pomona Valley Vietnamese Association has collaborated with the “Hope for Home” shelter for many years, organizing Thanksgiving luncheons annually. Dr. Vo hopes this event can provide warmth and happiness to those in need during the holiday season, and he anticipates continuing the tradition of Thanksgiving luncheons as a meaningful activity.
Norma Torres, a Democratic U.S. Representative for California’s 35th congressional district, remarked that true humility comes when people lose everything and realize what it takes to survive. Having experienced the hardships of homelessness, Torres understands the challenges families face in finding suitable housing for their children and pets, as well as the everyday struggles people encounter. She expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese community for bringing joy and comfort to everyone, extending heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Vo and Vietnamese-Americans for their contributions to the community and wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Pomona Police Chief Michael Ellis acknowledged the Pomona Vietnamese community as one of the most organized and influential groups in the area. He praised the Thanksgiving luncheon, recognizing its invaluable impact on those in need of assistance. Humorously noting that there was little left for him to help with as volunteers had already taken care of all the preparations, Chief Ellis thanked the Pomona Valley Vietnamese community for their support and dedication, appreciating their hard work and achievements.
Balochi Nguyen, a member of the Pomona Valley Vietnamese Association, mentioned that aside from a bountiful lunch, the association also prepared care packages containing socks, hats, hand cream, lip balm, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and a $20 gift card, aiming to provide a warm and pleasant Thanksgiving experience for the homeless.