Wisconsin AJR 43: Relating to: commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War.

Bill Text

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2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
2023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 43
May 12, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives SNYDER and SPIROS, cosponsored by
Senator TOMCZYK. Referred to Committee on Rules.
Relating to: commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the
Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam
War.
Whereas, during the Vietnam War, the Central Intelligence Agency and U.S.
Armed Forces recruited, organized, trained, and assisted Hmong-Lao forces to
combat the North Vietnamese Army and Pathet Lao forces; and
Whereas, thousands of Hmong-Lao people courageously fought alongside
Americans throughout the Vietnam War and, facing harsh retribution from the
Vietnamese and Lao governments following the war's end, many were ultimately
forced to flee their homes; and
Whereas, on May 14, 1975, the last of the Hmong-Lao soldiers and their
families fled Laos for the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand to later resettle in
communities throughout the United States, including Wisconsin, and today, our
state is home to a significant number of Hmong-Lao veterans; and
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LRB-3104/1
RJL:klm2023 - 2024 Legislature
Whereas, in accordance with 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, May 14 of every year is
designated as a day to thank Hmong-Lao veterans in Wisconsin for their service and
sacrifice, recall their accomplishments, and encourage schools to include their
military service in discussions and curriculums surrounding the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, the Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America (WLVA) has established
chapters throughout our state to serve local communities and educate the public
about the contributions of our Hmong-Lao veterans during the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, today, the state of Wisconsin joins the WLVA and all Wisconsinites in
reflecting on the tremendous, and too often overlooked, heroism and sacrifice of
Hmong-Lao veterans in our state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the
Wisconsin Legislature recognize May 14, 2023, as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and pay
tribute to those Hmong-Lao veterans who honorably and bravely served alongside
the United States in the Vietnam War.
(END)
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