BRAMPTON, ON (April 1, 2025) – The City of Brampton invites residents to join in recognizing Journey to Freedom Day, honouring the resilience of Vietnamese refugees and celebrating the contributions of Vietnamese Canadians to the community.
Honour the resilience of Vietnamese refugees, celebrate the contributions of Vietnamese Canadians and enjoy traditional performances and cuisine at Journey to Freedom Day. Credit: City of Brampton
Journey to Freedom Day 2025
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time:
- 12 pm: Community Flag Raising at Ken Whillans Square
- 12:30 pm: Reception at the City Hall Atrium
Location: Brampton City Hall, 2 Wellington St. W.
Established in 2015 through the Journey to Freedom Act, April 30 is recognized across Canada as Journey to Freedom Day. The day marks the exodus of Vietnamese refugees following the fall of Saigon in 1975 and acknowledges the role Canada played in welcoming thousands of individuals seeking safety and a new beginning. Often referred to as “Black April Day,” it serves as a time to remember lives lost and hardships endured, while also recognizing the positive impact of Vietnamese Canadians on Canadian society.
In Brampton, the City will commemorate Journey to Freedom Day on April 19, with a community flag-raising ceremony and a reception featuring traditional performances and Vietnamese cuisine. The event is presented in partnership with the Saigon Park Group Brampton and generously sponsored by Algoma University.
Quotes
“Journey to Freedom Day is an important time to reflect on the resilience and courage of Vietnamese refugees and to honour the profound contributions of Vietnamese Canadians to our city and country. Brampton is proud to stand in solidarity with the Vietnamese community as we commemorate this significant chapter in history. I invite everyone to join us on April 19 to pay tribute, celebrate culture and recognize the strength of those who sought freedom and built new lives in Canada.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to nearly 800,000 people and more than 100,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Learn more at brampton.ca
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City of Brampton Media Relations
MediaRelations@Brampton.ca
