Herb Kohl: “I rise today on National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day to commemorate those who served alongside the United States to…”

“I rise today on National Lao-Hmong Recognition Day to commemorate those who served alongside the United States to protect democracy in Southeast Asia. Since 1995, the day of July 22nd has been celebrated as the Nation's official day recognizing the commitment and sacrifice of the Lao-Hmong people. Beginning in the 1960s the United States recruited thousands of the Lao-Hmong citizens to fight against the Communist North Vietnamese Army. The United States relied heavily on support from the Lao-Hmong units to engage in direct combat with the adversary from 1960 to 1975. Although heavily outnumbered, the Lao-Hmong courageously battled to disrupt supply flows which ran along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In the name of democracy, the Lao-Hmong protected U.S. personnel, defended U.S. Air Force radar installations, collected critical intelligence about enemy operations, and undertook rescue missions to save the lives of downed U.S. pilots. In doing so, the Lao-Hmong lost more than 35,000 lives and many more were seriously injured and disabled. Decades of war separated the Lao-Hmong from their native land. Now the Lao-Hmong in these United States can call America their home. The great State of Wisconsin has over many years become a population center for the Lao-Hmong community. Now citizens of the United States, the Lao-Hmong contribute richly to our Wisconsin communities.”