HF 919

1st Engrossment - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 07/09/2019 10:52am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; establishing a new state holiday to recognize Hmong
people who assisted the United States during the Vietnam War; proposing coding
for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [10.5805] HMONG VETERANS DAY; STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
new text end

new text begin (a) May 14 of each year is designated as Hmong Veterans Memorial Day in honor of
Southeast Asians, Americans, and their allies who served, suffered, sacrificed, or died in
the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War in the years 1961 to 1975 in support of the
armed forces of the United States, and in recognition of the significance of May 14, 1975,
the last day that the overall American-trained Hmong command structure over the Special
Guerilla Units in Laos was operational. At least 35,000 Hmong Special Guerilla soldiers
lost their lives protecting trapped, lost, or captured American soldiers and pilots in Laos
and Vietnam. One-half of the Hmong population in Laos perished as a result of the American
Secret War in Laos. Ethnic Hmong men, women, and children in Laos faced persecution
and forced re-education in seminar camps after their American support ended. Despite the
tremendous cost and sacrifices in the war, the Hmong remain proud to stand by the values
of freedom and justice that America symbolizes. Those who survived escaped to western
countries to start a new life. Each year, the governor shall issue a proclamation honoring
the observance.
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new text begin (b) Schools are encouraged to read a passage about Hmong history or this statute to
students in honor of this day on May 14 or, if May 14 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the
Friday preceding May 14. Businesses may close in honor of this day and an employee may
request the day off without pay with two weeks' notice to the employer in observance of
this day.
new text end

new text begin (c) The governor shall order the American flag and Minnesota flag flown on the grounds
of the Capitol area and other state property to be flown at half-staff on May 14. Local
governments, private businesses, and public and private schools are encouraged to fly
American and Minnesotan flags at half-staff on May 14.
new text end