Photo by Choua Yang
The Hmong in Wisconsin attributed the 2nd Annual General Vang Pao Memorial Service at Long Cheng Community Center in Appleton, Wisconsin. The attendees were Hmong leaders, Lao-Hmong veterans, educators, entrepreneurs, students, and families that live in the State of Wisconsin. On the same day, the Memorial Service was being held in Minnesota, California and other states as well.
Dr. Xa Xiong was one of the keynote speakers for the event:
To all the honorable Lao-Hmong Veterans, Wisconsin Lao Veterans of America, Inc., President Former Captain Nao Shoua Xiong and his staff, and leaders. I would like to recognize the sacrifices made by the Lao-Hmong Veterans, who fought with the United States in the Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War, and acknowledge the contributions given in exchange for the enrichment of many lives.
It is an honor to take part in this special memorial service to recognize Phagna Norapamok General Vang Pao and his legacy.
In 1961, CIA James W. Lair and Lieutenant-Colonel Vang Pao agreed to recruit Hmong and other Laotians to serve in Special Guerilla Units to defend Lao freedom and independence, and in opposition to communist aggression and tyranny with 3 direct missions;
Stop the flow of the North Vietnamese troops and supplies through the Ho Chi Minh Trail into Laos on their way to attack the American and pro-democracy Vietnamese troops in South Vietnam
Rescue any American pilot that was shot down along the Lao-Vietnamese border
Protect the US Air Force Navigation Radar in Phou Pha Thi that guided the B-52s and the jets to bomb military targets in North Vietnam.
We do hereby remembering and commemorating our forefather Phagna Norapamok General Vang Pao. You represent the key that opened the door for us to come to America, to start a new life, and to receive better education with currently more than 400 Hmong doctorate recipients, many master degrees, and countless bachelor and high school diploma recipients. You serve as a key to our success and the enrichment of our lives and many generations to come. We thank you for your compassion, your charitable service and your sacrifice so that we could be here today. Your legacy will never be forgotten. We thank you!
My fellow citizens, as General Vang Pao had said, “Kom Hmoob sib hlub, sib pab. Yuav tau ua neeg zoo, fwm teb fwm chaw, fwm nom fwm tswv, fwm kev cai lij choj ntawm lub teb chaws yus nyob.” As I translate in English - “Hmong, give love, support each other. Learn to be a noble person, respect your country, respect the leaders, and respect the law where you live.” He also said, “…pursue higher education and help other people. Then life will be good and prosperous.” Solely, “education is a collection of knowledge that makes up a MASTER KEY to open many doors in life.” I urge our Hmong to embrace the American dream that is; anyone can succeed through hard work and has the capability to lead a happy, successful life.
May God, Mother Nature, and our Ancestors bless each and every one on this special day, with good health, good wealth and prosperity for many decades to come.
Speech giving on this day, Tuesday, December 8th, 2015
Long Cheng Community Center, Appleton, Wisconsin, USA
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