In a solemn nod to history, Minnesota State Senators have commemorated the sacrifices of the Hmong Special Guerrilla Units, marking the May 14th Remembrance Day. The SGU Veterans of the USA held their event at the Hmong and Lao Veterans Commemorative Memorial in St. Paul, honoring a past steeped in both valor and sorrow. This date echoes from 1975, marking the mass evacuation of soldiers and their families from Laos and the end of what's known as the Secret War.
Gathering together to pay respects, Minnesota legislators, including State Senators Foung Hawj, Susan Pha, and Tou Xiong, offered their tributes. They took a moment to earnestly remind us to always remember the commitment and sacrifice of more than 35,000 Hmong soldiers. "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," Senators said, according to a statement from the Minnesota Senate DFL website.
The incident encapsulates a painful chapter of history, where many soldiers perished, and those who survived were forced to abandon their homes in fear of persecution for their service to the United States during the conflict. The stories of these warriors and their kin continue to resonate, especially within the Hmong community spurring continuous efforts to ensure their legacies are not only remembered but honored.
In their statement released yesterday, the senators expressed a commitment to supporting these veterans. "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," Senators declared. They also reassured their determination "to ensuring these veterans are recognized and receive the support and honor they deserve for the sacrifices made for our country."
