[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4098-S4099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF THE LAO VETERANS OF AMERICA

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Lao Veterans of America as they mark the 25th Annual Remembrance of the 
United States involvement in Laos. During the Vietnam War, many brave 
Laotians and their families chose to fight along side American soldiers 
against the North Vietnamese as part of the United States Special 
Forces. These brave souls took great risks, and deserve our recognition 
and thanks.
  Those represented by the Lao Veterans of America served honorably 
during the conflict in Vietnam. They fought bravely to prevent the 
North Vietnamese from invading South Vietnam from Laos, and rescued 
shot down American pilots and brought them to safety. Through their 
actions, countless American lives were saved. These heroic deeds often 
placed the veterans and their families' lives in great risk as a 
result.

[[Page S4099]]

  The selfless aid of the Lao Veterans of America is a true testament 
to the cause of freedom around the world. While the causes of this 
tragic conflict may continue to be debated, I believe we can all agree 
that the sacrifices of the Laotian veterans and their families should 
not be forgotten, as we owe them a great debt of gratitude.

                          ____________________