[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 53 (Friday, March 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING HMONG HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SEAN P. DUFFY

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 30, 2012

  Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important role 
of the Hmong community in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District.
  This month marks 36 years since the first Hmong family arrived in 
Marathon County, Wisconsin and, currently, the Hmong account for a 
major percentage of our area's population. For the past 8 years, our 
local community has come together annually for Hmong Heritage Month, 
during which we celebrate the contributions of this important group and 
educate our residents about Hmong history and culture.
  During the Vietnam War, the Hmong stood shoulder to shoulder with 
U.S. troops in the fight against Communism. Today, we stand shoulder to 
shoulder with the Hmong in our schools, our churches, and our 
businesses.
  The Hmong have an old saying, ``To be with a family is to be happy. 
To be without a family is to be lost.'' I truly believe the Hmong are a 
vital part of our American family, and their contributions to our 
society make us stronger.
  I am proud to represent this community in the United States Congress 
and I wish them well as we celebrate Hmong Heritage Month.