BRAMPTON, ON (April 2, 2026) – Residents are invited to gather for Journey to Freedom Day as the City of Brampton hosts a commemorative flag raising and community reception, honouring the resilience of Vietnamese refugees and celebrating the many contributions Vietnamese Canadians continue to make to Brampton’s vibrant and diverse community.
Journey to Freedom Day
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 12 to 2 pm
Location: Ken Whillans Square and Brampton City Hall, 2 Wellington St. W., Brampton, ON
On April 18, the City will mark Journey to Freedom Day with a community flag-raising ceremony followed by an afternoon reception featuring traditional performances and Vietnamese refreshments. The event is presented in partnership with the Saigon Park Group Brampton and generously sponsored by Algoma University.
Honour the resilience of Vietnamese refugees, celebrate the contributions of Vietnamese Canadians and experience traditional performances and refreshments at Journey to Freedom Day. Credit: City of Brampton
Across Canada, April 30 is recognized as Journey to Freedom Day. In 2015, Canada established the Journey to Freedom Act to commemorate the exodus of Vietnamese refugees and their acceptance in Canada following the fall of Saigon in 1975. Often referred to as “Black April Day,” this date honours the lives lost and the hardship endured by millions on their journey to freedom, while recognizing the lasting contributions Vietnamese Canadians continue to make across Canadian society.
For more information about Journey to Freedom Day, visit brampton.ca/events.
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“Journey to Freedom Day is a time to reflect on the resilience and courage of Vietnamese refugees. Brampton stands in solidarity with the Vietnamese community as we remember this chapter in history. Join us on April 18 to pay tribute, celebrate Vietnamese 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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