[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 111 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATION OF LAO VETERANS OF AMERICA, MICHIGAN CHAPTER, DAY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, this weekend the Lao Veterans of 
America, Michigan Chapter, will gather to commemorate Lao Veterans of 
America Recognition Day. This tribute is an excellent opportunity to 
show our appreciation of the Lao people's courageous efforts during the 
Vietnam War, their love of the United States and their selfless 
heroism.
  During the Vietnam War, thousands of Hmong and Laotian soldiers 
fought alongside the American forces as part of the United States 
Secret Army. In fact, the American public only recently learned about 
the Lao people's courageous efforts throughout the conflict in Vietnam. 
The Lao veterans served bravely and selflessly from 1961 to 1975 as 
they risked their lives to avert the spread of Communism throughout the 
region. They not only fought willingly and valiantly alongside United 
States forces to prevent the North Vietnamese Army from entering South 
Vietnam, but also proved to be invaluable in the effort to rescue 
downed American soldiers in the region. Their heroic actions saved 
countless American lives. The Lao Veterans and their families deserve 
our highest respect and gratitude.
  It is estimated that at least 35,000 Laotian people lost their lives 
during the Vietnam War. Over 50,000 Lao were wounded and thousands more 
are still listed as missing in action. Throughout the past twenty-seven 
years, many of the survivors and their families have immigrated to the 
United States and many Laotian families currently reside in my home 
state of Michigan. The transition to the United States has not been 
easy for many of these immigrants, but like many other immigrant groups 
they have grown and prospered in their new home. It is important that 
we demonstrate our appreciation for the courageous actions of the 
Laotian people.
  The Lao Veterans of America, Michigan Chapter, their families, 
friends, and supporters will gather on Saturday, September 7, 2002, to 
commemorate Lao Veterans of America Day. I know that my Senate 
colleagues will join me in saluting the Lao veterans' brave and heroic 
efforts and in recognizing their actions on behalf of the cause of 
freedom.

                          ____________________