1.1A Senate resolution
1.2expressing the sense of the Senate recognizing May 14th as "Minnesota
1.3Hmong Memorial Day'' for all who have served, died, and suffered in the
1.4Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War in the years 1961-1975.
1.5WHEREAS, in 1961, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the United States recruited
1.6and trained the Hmong hill tribe as the Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) to support America during
1.7the Vietnam War; and
1.8WHEREAS, the Hmong were best known for their heroic valor in intercepting enemy
1.9supply lines and rescuing American pilots; and
1.10WHEREAS, between 1961 and 1975, the Hmong of Laos rose up to defend their territory
1.11and homeland, and to protect the royal family of Laos from the threat of communism, resulting in
1.12at least 35,000 deaths of military men and nurses; and
1.13WHEREAS, when America withdrew from Southeast Asia, Hmong were driven out by the
1.14new regime who had been their long-time enemy; and
1.15WHEREAS, May 14, 1975, was the last day of airlift evacuation of 2,500 high ranking
1.16officers and their families from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos to the Nam Phong
1.17refugee camp in Thailand; and
1.18WHEREAS, the thousands left behind went into hiding in the jungles of Laos and escaped
1.19across the Mekong River. Many perished without proper burial, ceremony, or closure to their
1.20families and loved ones; and
1.21WHEREAS, the ones who survived became refugees in Thailand and were dispersed to
1.22Western countries like France, Canada, Australia, Argentina, and the United States; thus creating
1.23a diaspora of Hmong people; and
1.24WHEREAS, today Minnesota is home to one of the largest Hmong communities in the
1.25United States where the Hmong have established a strong and vibrant community enriched with
1.26diversity, cultural identity, and economic sustainability; and
1.27WHEREAS, today, the 14th day of May, we remember the hardship, sacrifice, courage,
1.28and contributions of Hmong veterans and their families during the course of their exodus from
1.29Laos to the United States, and the devotion of Hmong-Americans to our community, our state,
1.30and our nation; and
1.31NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that
1.32it declares May 14th be recognized as Minnesota Hmong Memorial Day as a day to reflect,
1.33honor, and remember the service and sacrifice of the Hmong who fought and died in the Secret
1.34War in Laos during the Vietnam War.
1.35BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare
1.36an enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of
2.1the Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to the leaders of
2.2the Hmong SGU Veterans.

2.3 2.4 2.5

JoAnne M. Zoff Secretary of the Senate

Thomas M. Bakk Chair, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration

2.6 2.7

Foung Hawj State Senator, District 67

2.8 2.9

Sandra L. Pappas State Senator, District 65

2.10 2.11

Tom Saxhaug State Senator, District 5

2.12 2.13

David W. Hann State Senator, District 48

2.14 2.15

John A. Hoffman State Senator, District 36