Ambassador Sichan SIV: "Thank you very much Chau Nguyen. Congratulations for doing an excellent job emceeing this evening.  I was not born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could! (Applause).  In fact, when Martha and I learned that VANG was going to hold its 2007 Gala in Houston, we decided to move to Texas.  (Applause).  We forgot to get off in Houston, so we ended up in San Antonio.  (Laughter).  But fear not, we are only three hours from each other."

"You are looking at a very lucky man.  I am lucky because I’ve been given the honor to chair this gala.  To fulfill my responsibilities, I’ve been asked to only play some golf and say a few words.   Playing some golf? I had played golf only once before, two weeks ago in Portland, Oregon.  And yesterday, VANG had a tournament.  I missed a few balls, but I am happy to report that I did not hit anybody.  (Laughter).  Saying a few words?  As unaccustomed as I am to public speaking, I’d rather sing: I left my heart in Little Saigon!  (Applause)."

"I was pleased to be present at creation.  During the past four years VANG has come a long way.  Every year it presents Golden Torch Awards to Americans of Vietnamese descent and other individuals and organizations who have distinguished themselves with great achievements and important contributions to our society.  I have a strong affinity with these awards because my memoir GOLDEN BONES to be published next spring shares the same desire to inspire.  I congratulate tonight’s honorees who have become our role models.  I am delighted to see many friends: Cathy and Frank Jao, Tony Lam, Ngai Nguyen…"

"I am a very happy man because I am sitting with a distinguished group of people.  In addition to my wife Martha, we have Betty Nguyen and her mom, John Carlson who will receive a Golden Torch award on behalf of the Ford family, our own Ryan Hubris, the one and only.  (Applause).  Last month, I attended the Vietnamese International Film Festival in Irvine, California.  And guess what I saw. The Rebel!  (Applause).  After the movie, I thought that if my American Dream is still working, I would one day meet Charlie Nguyen, the director.  Tonight, I am not just sitting with Charlie, but also with the three stars of the movie: Thanh Van Ngo, Dustin Nguyen, and Johnny Nguyen.  They did an excellent job.  And of course, I look forward to seeing Ham Tran’s Journey from the Fall as well as other films.  (Applause)"

"It is my privilege to present the first Golden Torch award to the late President Gerald Ford.  Our 38th president was thankful that America was able to welcome 130,000 Vietnamese refugees in 1975.  To receive this Honorary Vietnamese American Award on behalf of the Ford Family is John Carlson.  Mr. Carlson served as assistant press secretary under President Nixon and deputy press secretary under President Ford.  He played a key role in US foreign policy, especially toward Asia.   As a former Presidential aide, I am very honored to present tonight’s first Golden Torch Award to another Presidential aide.   Please join me in welcoming John Carlson (Applause)."

- KHOU Channel 11 Reporter, Houston; CNN News Anchor, Atlanta