The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors initially proposed a day to honor actress Jane Fonda on April 30, as it fell during “Earth Month” and was intended to celebrate her climate activism. However, this decision sparked backlash from Vietnamese Americans and state lawmakers, who objected to the date as it coincided with the Fall of Saigon, a significant event in Vietnamese history. Critics pointed out that April 30 was inappropriate for “Jane Fonda Day” due to her controversial trip to North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, which earned her the nickname “Hanoi Jane.” Republican Assemblyman Tri Ta and Sen. Janet Nguyen were among those who urged the Board to reconsider the date, citing Fonda’s pro-communist activism and the potential harm it could cause to the Vietnamese refugee community.
In response to the concerns raised by the Vietnamese American community and lawmakers, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to move “Jane Fonda Day” to April 8, starting in 2025. This decision was made out of respect for the historic significance of April 30 and the objections raised regarding the original date. The joint motion by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and another Supervisor aimed to address the criticisms while still recognizing Jane Fonda for her activism on April 8 during Earth Month. This move was seen as a compromise to appease both sides and avoid further controversy.
The backlash against honoring Jane Fonda on April 30 was fueled by her controversial past actions and statements, particularly her anti-war activism during the Vietnam War. Fonda’s trip to North Vietnam in 1972, where she made controversial remarks and posed on an anti-aircraft gun, tarnished her reputation and earned her the ire of many Americans, especially Vietnam War veterans and Vietnamese Americans. The decision to designate a day in her honor on a date that held significance for the Vietnamese American community was seen as insensitive and offensive.
Republican Assemblyman Tri Ta and Sen. Janet Nguyen were vocal in their opposition to honoring Jane Fonda on April 30, citing her pro-communist activism and the pain it would cause to the Vietnamese refugee community with roots in California. California is home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam, making it a particularly sensitive issue for many residents. The decision to move “Jane Fonda Day” to April 8 was seen as a step in the right direction to address the concerns raised by the community and lawmakers, allowing for a more respectful recognition of Fonda’s activism while avoiding the controversy surrounding the original date.
The debate over “Jane Fonda Day” in Los Angeles County highlighted the delicate balance between honoring individuals for their activism and being mindful of historical events and communities that may be affected by the timing of such commemorations. The decision to move the date to April 8 in response to the objections raised by Vietnamese Americans and state lawmakers demonstrated a willingness to listen to community voices and make adjustments to ensure a more respectful recognition of Fonda’s contributions. This episode serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in commemorating public figures and the importance of considering diverse perspectives and historical sensitivities in such decisions.
Ultimately, the decision to move “Jane Fonda Day” from April 30 to April 8 in Los Angeles County was a result of the outcry from the Vietnamese American community and state lawmakers who found the original date offensive and insensitive due to its association with the Fall of Saigon. By shifting the date to a less controversial day during Earth Month, the Board of Supervisors sought to acknowledge the concerns raised and show respect for the historical significance of the date in Vietnamese history. This decision reflects the impact of community voices in shaping public commemorations and the need to consider the sensitivities of diverse groups when honoring public figures.
