Senate Concurrent ResolutionNo. 57


Introduced by Senator Pan

May 5, 2015


Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 57—Relative to Hmong History Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

SCR 57, as introduced, Pan. Hmong History Month.

This measure would recognize the amount of September 2015 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 bring to their communities.

Fiscal committee: no.

P1    1WHEREAS, The history of the Hmong people here in the United
2States, as well as throughout the ages, is indeed unique and vibrant,
3and it is appropriate to celebrate this history during the month of
4September 2015, which has been recognized as Hmong History
5Month; and

6WHEREAS, The Lao-Hmong, or free people, are greatly
7respected and admired for their dedicated service and valiant
8support of the United States Armed Forces and its allies during
9the Vietnam war; and

10WHEREAS, Many Lao-Hmong served in the “Secret Army,”
11which was funded by the CIA and included Special Guerilla units
12and other Special Forces, to thwart the Pathet Lao and North
13Vietnamese Army in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand from 1960 to
141975; and

P2    1WHEREAS, The members of this Laotian hill tribe are known
2for their warrior traditions, loyalty, and bravery, as evidenced by
3their contributions to guarding United States personnel and Air
4Force radar installations, gathering critical intelligence on enemy
5movement and operations, performing rescue missions to save
6downed United States pilots, and fighting in conventional and
7guerilla combat against overwhelming forces, including several
8North Vietnamese divisions, to disrupt the flow of troops and
9supplies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail; and

10WHEREAS, A conservative estimate of over 35,000 brave
11Lao-Hmong men, women, and children lost their lives; more than
1250,000 were wounded; and more than 2,500 are missing in action;
13and

14WHEREAS, These numbers do not include the devastating loss
15of 30,000 lives when the Lao-Hmong fell victim to retributive
16ethnic cleansing starting in 1975 and continuing to this day, nor
17the thousands forced into reeducation camps or who perished
18attempting to cross the Mekong River into Thailand; and

19WHEREAS, In addition to the devastation to their homes and
20way of life, thousands of Lao-Hmong soldiers and their families
21became a countryless people when they commenced their perilous
22flight to seek safe refuge in other countries, such as Argentina,
23Canada, China, France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United
24States--a mass exodus that continues to this day; and

25WHEREAS, The Lao-Hmong’s heroic and significant
26contributions to the United States during their fighting efforts in
27Laos and the positive influence they have since had upon the
28American way of life will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it

29Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
30thereof concurring,
That the Legislature takes great pleasure in
31recognizing the amount of September 2015 as Hmong History
32Month, extends deep appreciation to the Hmong men, women, and
33children who served the United States with loyalty and bravery,
34urges all citizens to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the
35Hmong people during Hmong History Month, and encourages the
36people of California to recognize the many talents, achievements,
37and contributions that the Hmong people bring to our communities;
38and be it further

P3    1Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
2this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.



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