Minnesota State Senators Commemorate Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Remembrance Day

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Yesterday, May 14, SGU Veterans of the USA hosted a Hmong Special Guerilla Units Remembrance Day event at the Hmong and Lao Veterans Commemorative Memorial at the Lower Mall of the Minnesota State Capitol. May 14, 1975, signifies the end of the Secret War and the beginning of the Hmong journey to become Americans. It was the last day of an airlift evacuation of soldiers and their families from Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand, leaving thousands of Hmong people behind to go into hiding in the jungles.

Members of the Minnesota Senate were present to commemorate the memory and sacrifice of at least 35,000 Hmong Special Guerrilla Unit soldiers and their commitment to freedom and justice. 

State Senators Foung Hawj, Susan Pha, and Tou Xiong released the following statement:

“Today, we recognize the commitment of the Hmong Special Guerrilla Unit soldiers who served the United States and faced the horrors of war during the U.S. Secret War in Laos. Thousands perished, upholding our shared values of freedom and justice. After the war ended, the Hmong, Lao, and other Southeast Asians fled in fear of persecution for their military involvement with the U.S. and our allies. It is this history that we carry with us in the state legislature. We stand committed to ensuring these veterans are recognized and receive the support and honor they deserve for the sacrifices made for our country.”

Senator Foung Hawj
Senator Foung Hawj is an Assistant Majority Leader for the Senate DFL Caucus. He is chair of the Environment, and Climate and Legacy Committee and serves on the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and Transportation Committee. He also Co-Chairs the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and serves on the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Learn more about Sen. Hawj.

Read more news from Sen. Hawj.
Senator Foung Hawj on EmailSenator Foung Hawj on FacebookSenator Foung Hawj on Flickr
mm
Senator Susan Pha represents Senate District 38 which includes Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Osseo. She is vice chair of the Capital Investment Committee and also serves on the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee.

Learn more about Sen. Pha.
Senator Susan Pha on EmailSenator Susan Pha on Twitter
mm
Senator Tou Xiong represents Senate District 44 which includes Little Canada, Maplewood, North Saint Paul, Oakdale, Pine Springs City, and Landfall. He is vice chair of the Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee and serves on the Capital Investment Committee and the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee.
Senator Tou Xiong on EmailSenator Tou Xiong on FacebookSenator Tou Xiong on Twitter