HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.256
Reps. Xiong, Rogers, Bezotte, Brabec, Byrnes, Fitzgerald, Fox,
Glanville, Haadsma, Hill, Hood, MacDonell, Miller, Paiz, Rheingans,
Weiss and Witwer offered the following resolution:
1 A resolution to declare May 14, 2024, as Hmong Special
2 Guerrilla Units Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan.
3 Whereas, The first Hmong families arrived in the United States
4 as refugees of war in 1976, with thousands settling in the state of
5 Michigan; and
6 Whereas, During the Vietnam War, the Central Intelligence
7 Agency (CIA) and United States Armed Forces recruited, organized,
8 trained, and assisted Hmong forces to combat the North Vietnamese
9 Army and communist Pathet Lao forces; and
10 Whereas, Hmong guerrilla soldiers courageously fought
Hmong American D 24H
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1 alongside Americans during the “Secret War” in Laos; and
2 Whereas, Thousands of Hmong men, women and children died in
3 Laos. Their deaths were unaccounted for, while their commitment to
4 rescuing downed American pilots and saving U.S. troops never
5 wavered; and
6 Whereas, When the U.S withdrew from Laos, the Hmong faced
7 harsh retribution from the Communist government for their
8 involvement in the American war effort and many were ultimately
9 forced to flee their native land; and
10 Whereas, On May 14th, 1975, the American Central Intelligence
11 Agency withdrew from Laos, and the Hmong veterans and their
12 families began their journey to new beginnings; and
13 Whereas, Michigan is home to a significant number of Hmong
14 refugees, after providing political asylum and citizenship because
15 of their unique contribution to American interests; and
16 Whereas, The House of Representatives, recognizes that the
17 state of Michigan is home to a significant number of Hmong
18 Americans and the importance of educating the general public about
19 the historic contributions of our Hmong American residents; and
20 Whereas, The diversity of the Hmong people adds much to the
21 cultural fabric of our city, state, and country, as they have
22 shared their traditions, food, and practices of faith; and
23 Whereas, Today, the House of Representatives joins in
24 reflecting on the tremendous heroism and sacrifice of our Hmong
25 American community; and
26 Whereas, We honor their commitment to leadership,
27 establishment of businesses, and contribution to the economic
28 growth of our state; now, therefore, be it
29 Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of
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1 this legislative body declare May 14, 2024, as Hmong Special
2 Guerrilla Units Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan.