Wisconsin passes bill for Hmong-Lao Veterans Day

For the first time, Hmong-Lao Veterans Day will be an annual affair in Wisconsin, after an Assembly Bill was signed by Gov. Tony Evers. The governor issued Executive Order 115, ordering the flags of the United States and the state flag, to be flown at half-staff May 14, in honor of Hmong-Lao veterans.

The governor was joined by Wa Chong Vang, son of General Vang Pao of the Laotian Army; Nao Shoua Xiong, president of the Wisconsin Lao Veterans Association; and Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon), lead author of Assembly Bill 154.

“It’s not only important that we recognize the dedicated service of the Hmong-Lao veterans who risked their lives in the Vietnam War and their families made in coming to the United States,” said Evers, “it’s also critical that we ensure future generations understand the sacrifices these individuals made in service.”

The bill requires the governor in office to annually issue a proclamation for the observance of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, requesting the day be used to recall the veterans’ accomplishments and to thank those veterans for their service, and encouraging schools to discuss Hmong military service in support of the armed forces of the United States.

During the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong-Lao people fought alongside the United States, and ultimately faced harsh retribution from the Vietnamese and Lao governments for their service. Many Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families were forced to flee, many resettling in the United States, including Wisconsin.

The last day of airlift evacuation of remaining Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families, came May 14, 1975, from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos, to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand.