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KEY: stricken = old language to be removed
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S.R. No. 44, as introduced: 94th Legislative Session (2025-2026) Posted on May 13, 2025




1.1A Senate resolution

1.2marking the 50th anniversary of the Hmong exodus from Laos following the end of 

1.3the Secret War.

1.4WHEREAS, May 14, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the Hmong exodus out of Laos 

1.5to the United States after the end of the Secret War in Laos on May 14, 1975; and

 1.6WHEREAS, from 1961 to 1975, Hmong and Lao soldiers were organized into armed units 

1.7known as Special Guerilla Units (SGU) and fought alongside the United States against
         the 

1.8overwhelming forces of tyranny and oppression; and

 1.9WHEREAS, the Hmong founded and created the air base Long Cheng, or Lima Site 20A, 

1.10in Laos to run covert aerial and reconnaissance operations in Military Region II of
         Laos; and

 1.11WHEREAS, the Hmong were tasked with combating communist expansion, disrupting 

1.12enemy supply lines, rescuing downed American pilots in enemy territory, defending
         key military 

1.13positions and territory in northern Laos, and supporting the United States in advancing
         freedom 

1.14and democracy in Southeast Asia; and

 1.15WHEREAS, in May 1975, Laos fell under communist control and Hmong and Lao SGU 

1.16and their families were hunted, imprisoned, tortured, or executed, forcing tens of
         thousands of SGU 

1.17soldiers to flee Laos with their loved ones, seeking refuge across the Mekong River;
         and

 1.18WHEREAS, tens of thousands of Hmong and Lao refugees chose to follow their American 

1.19friends and allies and resettle in the United States. The first of these families
         arrived in Minnesota 

1.20in November 1975; and

 1.21WHEREAS, this anniversary honors the service of the over 40,000 SGU members and 

1.22commemorates the estimated 35,000 SGU soldiers who gave their lives fighting alongside
         the 

1.23United States in this cause; and

 2.1WHEREAS, upon the withdrawal of the United States from Southeast Asia and the denial 

2.2of support to the Hmong, the Hmong military command flew out of Long Cheng on May
         14, 1975, 

2.3marking the last day of joint Hmong-United States resistance to communism; and

 2.4WHEREAS, on this 50th anniversary, we pay tribute to the lives that were lost and honor 

2.5the service and sacrifices of the SGU forces and their families, who have contributed
         to the freedoms 

2.6and liberties we enjoy in Minnesota and across the United States; and

 2.7NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it 

2.8marks the 50th anniversary of the Hmong Minnesotans journey from a war-torn nation
         to the United 

2.9States, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

2.10BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an 

2.11enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature
         and that of the 

2.12Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Special
         Guerilla Unit 

2.13(SGU) Veterans and Families of USA.


         

            
            
            
            

               
               Tom BotternSecretary of the Senate
               Erin P. MurphyChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration
            

         

         

            
            
            
            

               
               
               Tou XiongState Senator, District 44
            

         

         

            
            
            
            

               
               
               Susan PhaState Senator, District 38
            

         

         

            
            
            
            

               
               
               Foung HawjState Senator, District 67

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