Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 57
CHAPTER 96
Relative to Hmong History Month.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
July 09, 2015.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 57, Pan.
Hmong History Month.
This measure would recognize the month 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 communities in this state.
Digest Key
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 September 2015, 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 United States Central Intelligence Agency 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 Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature takes great pleasure in recognizing the month of September 2015 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 bring to our communities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.