[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 101 (Thursday, July 19, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7945-S7946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE HMONG SPECIAL GUERRILLA UNITS

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, this weekend members of the Lao-Hmong 
American Coalition, Michigan Chapter, their friends and supporters will 
gather in my home State of Michigan to pay

[[Page S7946]]

tribute to thousands of courageous Hmongs who selflessly fought 
alongside of and in support of the United States military during the 
Vietman War. The efforts of the Hmong Special Guerrilla Units were 
unknown to the American public during the conflict in Vietnam, and the 
6th Annual Commemoration of the U.S. Lao-Hmong Special Guerrilla Units 
Veterans Recognition Day is part of the important effort to acknowledge 
the role played by the Hmong people in this war.
  Ms. STABENOW. My colleague from Michigan is correct in stating that 
Hmong Special Guerrilla Units played an important role in assisting US 
efforts in the Vietnam conflict, often times at great sacrifice to 
themselves. From 1961 to 1975 it is estimated that about 25,000 young 
Hmong men and boys were fighting the Communist Lao and North 
Vietnamese. The Hmong Special Guerrilla Units were known as the United 
States' Secret Army, and their valiant efforts ensured the safety and 
survival of countless U.S. soldiers.
  Mr. LEVIN. The Senator is correct. Hmong Special Guerrilla Units 
actively supported the United States, and risked great loss of life to 
save downed United States pilots and protect our troops. While the 
Special Guerrilla Units may have operated in secret, their efforts, 
courage and sacrifices have been kept secret for far too long. The word 
Hmong means ``free people,'' and celebrations such as this 
commemoration will raise awareness of the loyalty, bravery and 
independence exhibited by the Hmong people.
  Ms. STABENOW. It is important that the sacrifices made by the Hmong 
people are honored by all Americans. These rugged people, from the 
hills of Laos, paid a great cost because of their love of freedom and 
their support of the United States. It is estimated that over 40,000 
Hmong died during the Vietnam War. Thousands more were forced to flee 
to refugee camps, and approximately 60,000 Hmongs immigrated to United 
States.
  Mr. LEVIN. As the Senator from Michigan knows, thousands of Hmongs 
immigrated to the United States after the Vietnam War. The transition 
to life in the United States has not always been easy, but the Hmong 
community has grown and is prospering. There are nearly 200,000 Hmong 
in the United States, and many of them live in our home State of 
Michigan. It is important that those who fought in the Special 
Guerrilla Units are honored for their actions. These units, like all 
those who served the cause of freedom, must know that we appreciate the 
great sacrifices made by the Special Guerrilla Units.
  Ms. STABENOW. I would concur with my good friend that events such as 
the 6th Annual Commemoration of U.S. Lao-Hmong Special Guerrilla Units 
Veterans Recognition Day play an important role in honoring these 
courageous veterans. This celebration will also educate future 
generations of Americans about the sacrifices made by this independent 
and freedom loving people. I know that my Senate colleagues will join 
me, and my colleague from the State of Michigan, in commending the 
Hmong Special Guerrilla Units for their bravery, sacrifice, and 
commitment to freedom.

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