California Legislature—2013–14 Regular Session

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 78

Introduced by Assembly Member Logue

August 19, 2013

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 78—Relative to Hmong History Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

ACR 78, as introduced, Logue. Hmong History Month.

This measure would recognize August 2013 as Hmong History Month, urge all citizens to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the Hmong people during Hmong History Month, and encourage the people of California to recognize the many talents, achievements, and contributions that the Hmong people make to their communities.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, The history of the Hmong people here in the United
States, as well as throughout the ages, is indeed unique and vibrant,
and it is appropriate to celebrate this history during the month of
August 2013, which has been recognized as Hmong History Month;
and

WHEREAS, The Lao-Hmong, or free people, are greatly
respected and admired for their dedicated service and valiant
support of the United States Armed Forces and its allies during
the Vietnam war; and

WHEREAS, Many Lao-Hmong served in the “Secret Army,”
which was funded by the CIA and included Special Guerilla units
and other Special Forces, to thwart the Pathet Lao and North
Vietnamese Army in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand from 1960 to
1975; and

WHEREAS, The members of this Laotian hill tribe are known
for their warrior traditions, loyalty, and bravery, as evidenced by
their contributions to guarding United States personnel and Air
Force radar installations, gathering critical intelligence on enemy
movement and operations, performing rescue missions to save
downed United States pilots, and fighting in conventional and
guerilla combat against overwhelming forces, including several
North Vietnamese divisions, to disrupt the flow of troops and
supplies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail; and

WHEREAS, A conservative estimate of over 35,000 brave
Lao-Hmong men, women, and children lost their lives; more than
50,000 were wounded; and more than 2,500 are missing in action;
and

WHEREAS, These numbers do not include the devastating loss
of 30,000 lives when the Lao-Hmong fell victim to retributive
ethnic cleansing starting in 1975 and continuing to this day, nor
the thousands forced into reeducation camps or who perished
attempting to cross the Mekong River into Thailand; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the devastation to their homes and
way of life, thousands of Lao-Hmong soldiers and their families
became a countryless people when they commenced their perilous
flight to seek safe refuge in other countries, such as Argentina,
Canada, China, France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United
States--a mass exodus that continues to this day; and

WHEREAS, The Lao-Hmong’s heroic and significant
contributions to the United States during their fighting efforts in
Laos and the positive influence they have since had upon the
American way of life will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature takes great pleasure in
recognizing August 2013 as Hmong History Month, extends deep
appreciation to the Hmong men, women, and children who served
the United States with loyalty and bravery, urges all citizens to
join in celebrating the accomplishments of the Hmong people
during Hmong History Month, and encourages the people of
California to recognize the many talents, achievements, and
contributions that the Hmong people make to our communities;
and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.