Dear Members and Supporters,

Today is a glorious day not only for Vietnamese-American everywhere in general, but for the VAYAnese of San Diego in particular. Today, a young immigrant has become a Vietnamese-American citizen by naturalization. Today, our community has gained a new Voter, new Voice, and a new Power.

Citizenship is a privilege, not a right. As a citizen, one enjoys many more opportunities than non-citizens. One gains access to more secure and better-paid governmental jobs; wider ranges of travel, and greater protection against enemies foreign and domestic. But more importantly, a citizen also acquires certain responsibilities. Besides pledging one's allegiance to the Star Spangled Banner, and defending the constitution of the United States, a citizen has a greater burden of ensuring the effectiveness of our government, the fairness of our justice system, the equality of our society and the well-being of our people. As one becomes a citizen, one's Voice takes on a greater meaning; one's Vote becomes a powerful tool to shape one's life and the lives of others. All the new powers, privileges and responsibilities will go into making our young friend a better person as he becomes a man and perhaps even a leader of men.

Without further ado, please join me in congratulating Long (last name) Tuấn Lương (first name) on his becoming a citizen of our adopted motherland, the United States of America.

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as President for VAYA.

VAYA Logo/Seal

The organization shall have a seal which shall be in the following form:

(a) The seal consists of five symbolic elements. The initials V.A.Y.A. represent the short name of the organization.The bamboo represents the sturdiness and flexibility of the Vietnamese people as well as that of the VietnameseAmerican youth. The sun symbolizes the tropical climate of agricultural Vietnam which shapes the lives of theVietnamese people since ancient time. The migratory sea-swallows represent the flight of the Vietnamese peoplein search of life and freedom. The birds also represent peace and the coming of spring which is associated withyouthful fervor. The three red stripes represent the bloodlines of the three main geographical, dialectical, andcultural regions of Vietnam.

(b) The Vietnamese American Youth Alliance adopted this group of symbols as the seal of the organization becauseof their many layers of meanings. It was chosen to reflect the connection between the Vietnamese Americanyouths and their culture and identity.

Dear Members and Supporters,

Many thanks to those who came out to our "Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner" on Sunday 11/23/08 at the Santa Fe Room in Balboa Park. The event was a great success and we hope that you can join us again in future "VAYA Thanksgiving Potluck Dinners".

As a reminder, two major VAYA Tet-related events this week will be the Cultural Village Kick-Off Event and the VAYA 2009 Tet "Golden Voice" Final Audition, BOTH taking place this Saturday on December 6th. More information can be found under the "Upcoming VAYA Meetings & Events" section. Please note that If you would like to help out and/or join a Tet committee, it is NEVER too late. Feel free to contact me for details or come to our weekly meetings and get involved. We are ALWAYS looking for new talents and fresh ideas.

Lastly, Protégé Insurance Brokers, Inc. is currently searching for a part-time student intern or worker at their San Diego Office. More information can be found under the "Job Announcement" section of this newsletter. Details about the company can be at www.protegebrokers.com. On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.