Each May, the City of Chandler commemorates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of the AAPI community, which makes up the largest ethnic group in Chandler. 

As part of the commemoration,  the city will honor Vietnam War veterans and celebrate Vietnamese culture at Freedom, Hope, Future, a special event marking five decades since the end of the war, which officially ended April 30, 1975.

The free event occurs on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chandler City Hall courtyard, 175 E. Arizona Ave. An event schedule is available online at chandleraz.gov/FreedomHopeFuture.  

Attendees will hear stories from members of the Vietnamese community, witness a special recognition for Vietnam veterans and participate in family-friendly activities provided by Chandler Public Library and Chandler Recreation.

Those interested in sharing their stories with the Chandler Museum may do so online at chandleraz.gov/FreedomHopeFuture. During the event, attendees can get additional information about submitting their stories to the museum. 

The city’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division will host the Asian American Community Connection. That's a free networking opportunity to connect with the community and listen, learn and engage in meaningful conversations.

This event will be from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, at the Phoenix Palace Restaurant, 2075 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 

During the event, attendees will be able to connect with multiple city departments/divisions and community organizations, including Chandler Police, Planning & Zoning (2026 General Plan), Water Conservation, the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration-The Hive and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Seating is limited and registration is required. Every attendee must individually register for this event. Priority will be given to those who reside within Chandler city limits.  

To register online, visit chandleraz.gov/AAPI. For more information about the Asian American Community Connection, contact Adrianna Tušek Erickson with Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division at 480-782-2224 or adrianna.erickson@chandleraz.gov. 

The city has other opportunities for residents to learn more about AAPI culture. Chandler Museum features an exhibit titled “Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River” now through Jan. 26, 2026. This exhibit highlights how the Japanese value "gaman" — enduring the seemingly impossible with patience and dignity — guided these American citizens’ experience of loss and incarceration in the Arizona desert during World War II.

The Chandler Museum is located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive and doesn't charge admission. It’s open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Chandler Public Library has recommended reading lists on these topics for young and older children available at chandleraz.gov/AAPI.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.