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WASHINGTON–Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) joined Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) in paying tribute to Vietnamese Americans at the January 18 VIP opening reception of “Exit Saigon, Enter Little Saigon” at the Smithsonian in the nation’s capital. The first-ever exhibit tells of the Vietnamese Americans’ struggles and triumphs after Saigon fell, and how they and their families began a new life in the U.S.

Some 300 Vietnamese Americans–led by Pragmatics Chairman and CEO Long Nguyen, who donated $100,000 to start the $1-million Vietnamese American Endowment Fund–became emotional as Webb commended their “perseverance and the strength of the community.” Overcoming their tragedies in Vietnam and struggles in America, “you became enormously successful,” Webb, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, told those present.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program. National sponsor Vietnamese Heritage Society, which is led by Ryan Hubris, provided $50,000, with additional support from Citigroup Foundation and individuals such as Quan Hoang, who gave $38,000 and Project Finance Chair Ban Tran. The exhibit, with Vietnamese American scholar Vu H. Pham as curator, moves to a cross-country tour when it ends at the S. Dillon Ripley Center Concourse in April. Aside from Tran, the Project’s D.C. Working Group is composed of Renee Ha Tran, Dr. Than Nguyen, Bich Nguyen, Thanh-Thuy Nguyen, My-Chau Nguyen, Hung Nguyen, Hau Mai and Chau Nguyen.

The lawmakers headed to the program at the Old Castle without viewing the exhibit. As guests swarmed over Webb on his entrance, he told Asian Fortune, “I look forward to seeing the exhibit.” He later told the guests he couldn’t stay because they were voting on eight bills that night. Senator Harkin, extremely gracious and accommodating to the press and other guests, promised to return to see the exhibit, stressing his state’s historical connection. He recalled the then Iowa Governor displayed “good moral leadership” in welcoming thousands of Vietnamese in their state after Saigon fell.

With his supportive wife looking on, Vietnamese American Heritage Endowment Founder Long Nguyen said, “I challenge all of us here tonight to make a pledge” to reach the endowment goal. “We came to this country as poor refugees and were warmly welcomed by the generous American people.” Achieving the American Dream “for ourselves and our families,” he added, “Vietnamese Americans have contributed to the growth and economic strength of this great country…America continues to embrace diversity and become stronger for that approach.” For information on how to contribute to the project, visit www.apa.si.edu/VietAm

Raising a glass and toasting those present at the cognac pledge-making, and noting “it took two years to make this happen,” Congressman Honda urged the community to “share your wealth and resources.” At the reception, many third generation Vietnamese American professionals joined their elders in adding to the $250,000 already on hand for the project, which is in honor of the 30th anniversary of Vietnamese migration to the U.S.

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American (APA) Program Development Consultant Francey Youngberg told Asian Fortune, “When they accomplish their $1 million-goal, they will be the first APA group to do so at the Smithsonian! This is nothing short of phenomenal, as they are the most recent immigrants.”

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program Director Frank Odo praised the Vietnamese Americans, guest lawmakers, CNN Anchor and program emcee Betty Nguyen, and his boss, Sheila Burke for the successful exhibit launch. He said the dramatic retelling of many stories of the exodus to America “is a vital part of American history.” He added 2 million Vietnamese Americans “will be pleased to see that the world’s largest museum complex considered their experiences and histories to be significant.”

Senator Webb attended the reception with his wife Hong, who cradled their well-behaved baby daughter Georgia Leanh. The baby was born days after her dad won an improbable November victory. Webb said Hong was one of the Vietnamese who left Vietnam “and came here in 1975” after a U.S Navy ship “picked her up” to rescue her. Webb tenderly kissed his daughter on the forehead after his speech, which he began by speaking in fluent Vietnamese.