The Alaska State Legislature has passed a resolution encouraging the United States Congress to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War. The resolution highlights the significant and often overlooked contributions of the Hmong people during the conflict, particularly in Laos, where they were recruited by the CIA as part of a covert operation known as the "Secret War." The Hmong soldiers played a crucial role in various military operations, suffering heavy casualties and facing severe repercussions after the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, including persecution and displacement.
The resolution emphasizes the bravery and sacrifices of Hmong veterans, noting that they fought alongside U.S. forces and endured immense hardships, with many losing their lives in the process. It calls for recognition of their service through the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest civilian honor in the U.S. and has been awarded to other allied forces in the past. The resolution also acknowledges the Hmong community's presence in Alaska and their contributions to the state's cultural and social fabric, reinforcing the need for federal recognition of their sacrifices and achievements.