In A.D. 39, two sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, led a rebellion against the leaders of the Han Chinese dynasty and drove them out of Vietnam. The two then established an autonomous state and ruled as queens over 36 citadels, or fortresses that guard a city.

In the present day, the Trung sisters have come to be lauded as symbols of Vietnamese nationalism, determination and courage. And in the Little Saigon area of Westminster, their efforts are recognized with a ceremonial designation on two street signs: the name on the signs will change from Pagoda Way to Hai Ba Trung (meaning the two Trung sisters) Way.

Pagoda Way is the cross street between 9600 and 9637 Bolsa Avenue.

“I propose that the city council in its ongoing effort to upgrade and promote Little Saigon as an international, cultural, commercial and historical hub rename this entryway as Hai Ba Trung Way,” said Councilmember NamQuan Nguyen who proposed the name change.

The Trung sisters, he said, were “true heroines in Vietnam’s history,” and this ceremonial designation is a “modest but meaningful” way to honor their legacy.

The unanimous decision by Westminster’s leaders, however, will have no impact on street addresses since the signs bearing Hai Ba Trung Way are “not functional street signs, but rather (ceremonial) development entry signs,” according to city documents.

The total cost to replace the signs, including labor and materials, is an estimated $5,000, according to city documents. Funding is expected to come from a local nonprofit organization that has not yet been identified.

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