SF 2314

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 04/09/2012 10:55am

A resolution
memorializing Congress and the President of the United States to formally recognize
the Khmer Freedom Fighters.

WHEREAS, the state of Minnesota recognizes the Khmer Freedom Fighters of Cambodia
for supporting and defending the United States military forces during the conflict in Southeast
Asia and their continued support and defense of the United States of America and all other free
nations of the world; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer veterans, who are also known as the Khmer Freedom Fighters,
rescued United States pilots shot down in enemy-controlled territory and returned them to
safety; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters retrieved and prevented secret and sensitive
information, technology, and equipment from falling into enemy hands; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters fought and died with United States military
forces during this time of conflict; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters captured and destroyed enemy supplies and
otherwise prevented them from being used by enemy forces to kill United States military forces;
and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters gathered and provided intelligence about enemy
troop positions, movement, and strength to United States military forces; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters provided food, shelter, and support to United
States military forces; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters facilitated the evacuation of the United States
Embassy in Phnom Penh on April 12, 1975; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters are still subject to intimidation, ridicule,
discrimination, and death if identified in Cambodia today; and

WHEREAS, veterans of the Khmer Serei and the Khmer National Armed Forces defended
human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of representation and
association, as well as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

WHEREAS, the Khmer Freedom Fighters have never received official recognition from the
United States government for their heroic efforts and support; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it officially affirms
and recognizes the Khmer Freedom Fighters and the Cambodian people for their support and
defense of United States military forces, freedom, and democracy in Southeast Asia, and urges
the President and the Congress of the United States and all other state legislatures in the United
States to do the same.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is
directed to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the President of the United States,
the President and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the
United States House of Representatives, the presiding officers of both houses of the legislatures of
each of the other states of the union, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.