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KEY: stricken = old language to be removed
         underscored = new language to be added
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S.R. No. 257, as introduced: 90th Legislative Session (2017-2018) Posted on May 14, 2018

1.1A Senate resolution
1.2recognizing May 14, 2018, as Minnesota SGU Hmong and Lao Memorial Day.
1.3WHEREAS, in 1961, the CIA recruited and trained the Hmong and Lao hill tribes as the
1.4Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) to support the United States during the Vietnam War from 1961 to
1.51975; and
1.6WHEREAS, the Hmong and Lao SGU are best known for their heroic valor in intercepting
1.7enemy supply lines and rescuing American pilots; and
1.8WHEREAS, when the United States withdrew from Southeast Asia, Hmong were driven
1.9out by the new regime, which had been their longtime enemy; and
1.10WHEREAS, May 14, 1975, was the last day officers and their families were evacuated by
1.11airlift from the covert headquarters in Long Tieng, Laos, to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand;
1.12and
1.13WHEREAS, the thousands left behind went into hiding in the jungles of Laos and escaped
1.14across the Mekong River; and
1.15WHEREAS, many perished without proper burial, ceremony, or closure for their families
1.16and loved ones and there was a death toll of more than 40,000, nearly wiping out the Hmong
1.17population in Laos; and
1.18WHEREAS, the survivors were dispersed to countries such as France, Canada, Australia,
1.19Argentina, and the United States, creating a diaspora of Hmong and Lao people; and
1.20WHEREAS, Minnesota is home to one of the largest Hmong communities in the United
1.21States and the Hmong and Lao people have established strong and vibrant communities enriched
1.22with diversity, cultural identity, and economic sustainability; and
2.1WHEREAS, the state of Minnesota honors the hardships, sacrifices, courage, and
2.2contributions of Hmong and Lao veterans and their families during their exodus from Laos to the
2.3United States and the devotion of Hmong Americans to the state's community and our nation; and
2.4NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
2.5recognizes May 14, 2018, as Minnesota SGU Hmong and Lao Memorial Day.
Cal R. LudemanSecretary of the Senate Paul E. GazelkaChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration
Foung HawjState Senator, District 67 John A. HoffmanState Senator, District 36
Jerry NewtonState Senator, District 37

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