[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 203 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE HMONG COMMUNITY'S 2024 NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. DUARTE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 2023

  Mr. DUARTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Hmong 
community's upcoming 2024 New Year festivities in Merced County.
  The story of the Hmong people in the United States begins with the 
tens of thousands of Hmong soldiers who stood side-by-side the United 
States in steadfast courage against communism in Indochina.
  As the Vietnam War spread, the CIA recruited and trained thousands of 
Hmong men to fight, with over 30,000 engaging enemy troops both on the 
ground and in the skies. Hmong soldiers regularly conducted raids and 
sabotage operations on the Ho-Cho-Minh supply trail and went deep 
behind enemy lines to gather intelligence and rescued American 
soldiers. As a result of the fighting, Hmong soldiers suffered immense 
casualties--ten times higher than their American counterparts.
  After the United States withdrew its forces at the conclusion of the 
Vietnam War, hundreds of thousands of Hmong fled as refugees to the 
United States. Those who were unable to escape faced brutal oppression 
and massacres.
  Today, over 360,000 Hmong-Americans call the United States their 
home, and California's 13th Congressional District is home to one of 
the largest Hmong communities in the United States. Hmong-Americans 
continue to serve our nation whether in law enforcement, the armed 
forces, non-profit programs, or in elected office. They play pivotal 
roles in our schools, our hospitals, and our businesses, and through it 
all, the community has continued to preserve their vibrant language, 
culture, and traditions.
  As they have done for decades, the Hmong community of the Central 
Valley will gather at the Merced County Fairgrounds from December 15-17 
to celebrate the 2024 Hmong New Year, which will include traditional 
Hmong attire and cuisine, cultural dance competitions, traditional 
sports tournaments, and an exhibit of Hmong art and entertainment.
  I am honored to represent the Hmong-American community of the Central 
Valley, and I wish every Hmong-American a very Happy New Year.

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