On Tuesday, May 14, flags in Wisconsin were flown at half-staff in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, WMTV 15 News reports.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, according to News 8 Now, created Hmong-Lao Veterans Day back in 2021. On May 13, 2024, he signed an executive order calling for flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the holiday.
“Hmong-Lao veterans bravely and selflessly fought side-by-side with U.S. troops during the Vietnam War with many ultimately facing harsh retribution for doing so, including being forced to flee their homelands,” Evers said Monday, per CBS 58. “These veterans are an important part of our state’s story and our history.”
“Today and every day, we recognize their remarkable sacrifices, reflect upon the profound contributions they have made to our communities and our state, and express our gratitude for their commitment to upholding and defending the freedoms and values we hold dear.”
Wisconsin is home to the third largest Hmong population in the United States, News 9 Now reports. Many Hmong people fled their homes in Laos in the 1970s and 1980s out of fear that they would be persecuted for helping the United States during the Secret War.
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