SAN JOSE, Calif. - A South Vietnamese veteran ended a hunger strike Thursday after San Jose, Calif., officials agreed to compromise on naming a neighborhood "Little Saigon."
Ly Tong, 63, who had reportedly been close to death after refusing all food since Feb. 15 and water for the last few days, drank some lemonade and meat broth, the San Jose Mercury News reported. He had been living in a tent in front of city hall, promising to continue the hunger strike until the City Council agreed to the name or he died.
The council agreed Thursday to allow a gateway arch for "Little Saigon," paid for with private funds.
"Only justice and truth in a democracy prevail," Tong said. "Democracy has been restored in San Jose."
Tong's hunger strike had divided the city and its Vietnamese community. Even some supporters thought Tong was going too far.
"When I was a fighter pilot, I was willing to die," Tong, sitting in a wheelchair in front of city hall, said Wednesday. speaking slowly as a crowd of curious observers watched. "I am still willing to die."
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